With such a wealth of options available, it’s easy to simply choose a bird table based on how it looks, and while the aesthetic is important, it’s useful to know what works best for the birds. Here are the important practical concerns to consider before making your final choice.
Material choices
Wooden bird tables are more natural in appearance and will blend in well in a garden setting. They are, however, harder to keep clean, so consider a bird table with a polycarbonate or metal feeding tray as a hygienic alternative to the usual wooden platform.
Metal bird tables are also sturdy and easy to keep clean, and might be a great match if you have wrought-iron or brushed-aluminium garden furniture. Whichever material you choose, make sure the table is robust enough to withstand winter weather and daily bird traffic.
Look for a solid, smooth post
Bird tables need to be elevated – partly to mimic birds’ normal feeding behaviour, and partly to ensure visiting birds are safe from ground-based predators. Most bird tables sit on a tall post, so go for one that is tall and smooth, as this will deter squirrels, cats and over-enthusiastic dogs from trying to scale the table.
Check for hazards in the feeding area
Sharp edges, rough joints and un-sanded sections can damage birds’ feet, so the ideal table should have a surface that is smooth without being slippery. The feeding area should be free of any moving parts or elements that shift or wobble. Again, these are potentially dangerous for delicate wings. Birds are often competing when feeding, so it’s vital that they don’t encounter any hidden hazards in the rush for seeds and nuts.
Overall design and size
There are many charmingly ornate bird tables on the market offering details such as a thatched roof, an integrated nesting box and a bird bath above the feeding station. In fact, the simpler your bird table is, the better. These extra features don’t weather well, can put territorial nesting birds in the same space as visiting birds and can sometimes hinder drainage, which leads to wet, soggy bird food. What you want is a good, flat tabletop, edges to stop food from falling and an effective drainage channel.
A larger table will attract larger birds, so if you’ve got overly aggressive magpies or bullish collared doves in the area, smaller birds might struggle to access food. Tables with an adjustable roof height can be a solution – use the higher setting for larger birds, and the lower setting for smaller visitors. The feeding area should be large enough to accommodate several birds, as more space means they will be less inclined to fight and more inclined to eat. The RSPB suggests that the ideal size is three to four square feet.
Once you’ve installed your bird table, you can sit back and enjoy the delights of birdwatching – a pastime that is relaxing, good for your mental health and a terrific way to strengthen your connection with the natural world.
