The Complete Garden Bird Book

Whether you live in the heart of the country or the middle of a city, birds will be attracted to your garden. Indeed, one of the greatest pleasures of owning a garden is watching the birds that visit it. If you enjoy looking at garden birds, you’re not alone. In recent years, millions of people have discovered the joys of observing bird behaviour at close range. But it’s not only humans who benefit – gardens are vital for the well-being and survival of birds, too. Britain’s gardens cover more than quarter of a million hectares, making them one of our most valuable bird habitats. In spring and summer, trees, bushes and artificial nest sites provide a range of places for birds to nest and rear their young. In winter, your garden can become a vital refuge for birds, especially if you regularly supply food and water. During prolonged cold spells, this can make the difference between life and death, particularly for smaller species. This book has two principal aims: to show you how to encourage birds to visit your garden, by providing places for them to feed, drink and nest; and to enable you to identify the different species.