Top tips: Encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them 

Attracting and looking after bird visitors at nursery can be a wonderful way to connect children with nature and support local wildlife. Check out our top tips for how to attract and care for bird visitors.

Top tips to get encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them 

  1. Put up bird feeders: Hang seed or nut feeders in quiet spots. Using sunflower seeds will make your feeders very popular 
  1. Offer fresh water: A shallow dish or bird bath gives birds a place to drink, wash and splash. Encourage the children to take responsibility for checking that the water is topped up, or defrosted on icy days 
  1. Plant bird-friendly shrubs: Berries like hawthorn make great natural snacks 
  1. Install nesting boxes: Safe homes for birds to raise their chicks. Make sure they are high up and sheltered to avoid disasters 
  1. Avoid chemicals: Don’t use pesticides or weedkillers 
  1. Create quiet zones: Birds need peace, especially when nesting, so designate calm areas and remind the children of why they need to be quieter in those areas 
  1. Keep everything clean: Wash feeders and baths weekly to stop germs spreading 
  1. Watch out for cats: Place feeders out of reach and away from ambush spots like bushes 
  1. Get the children involved: Birdwatching, feeder-filling and drawing birds are all great fun and educational too 
  1. If you don’t have outdoor space suitable for attracting birds, try hanging and making natural bird feeders in your local outdoor space. Choose a spot where the children can sit and watch the birds visiting their feeders. 

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Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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