Treating the birds in your garden to a feast doesn't have to be expensive. You can leave out scraps of uncooked pastry, bits of cheese or leftover food such as bread or fruit. Different birds feed in different ways and like different food. Some, like the blackbird and robin, prefer to eat off the ground, whilst others, such as blue tits and coal tits, prefer feeders. If you are worried about cats, then bird tables and hanging feeders will help birds enjoy their meals more safely. If you put them near to bushes and ivy-clad walls there is plenty of cover for them to dash to when feeding. Water is also important - and make sure all dishes and feeders are kept clean. Make a bird feeder If you don't have many pennies but still want to feed your feathered visitors, then why not make one of our simple bird feeders. David North from the RSPB showed us how. What you need:
A pine-cone
A length of string
Breadcrumbs softened in water
Grated cheddar cheese
Raisins
Peanuts | | |  | | Step 1
Roll the breadcrumbs in to a tight ball and push in to the gaps in the pine-cone. | Step 2
Do the same with the cheese and fruit | | |  | | Step 3
It's easier if you mix all the bits together in a bowl. | Step 4
When the cone is full, tie some string around the top and hang out in your garden. | | |
 Remember that birds take time to get used to new feeders, so be patient for a week or two as they size up your garden treats.
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