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Attract robins, sparrows and blue tits by adding 1 simple item to bird feeders for spring
Reach Daily Express | March 21, 2026 1:40 PM CST

Spring signifies the start of nesting season, meaning that wild birds will thrive on high-energy food sources during this period. In fact, since the UK often remains chilly well into the middle of spring, it is advisable to persist with high-energy winter feeding methods in gardens until mid-March. However, once things really start heating up as we get further into spring, it's time to change your feeding routine.

According to the experts at Really Wild Bird Food, peanuts are one of "the best foods" for garden birds during spring. Peanuts are an excellent, nutritious food for garden birds, but they must be offered to them correctly.

The experts warned that peanuts should "only ever" be fed from a mesh peanut feeder so that small chunks are taken back to the nest, reducing the choking risk.

Alternatively, seed mixes that contain peanut granules are a good option if you don't have a mesh bird feeder.

Bird food retailer Beaky Bites also recommends feeding birds peanuts. They explained that peanuts are a "nutritional powerhouse for birds", as they are high in fat and are full of calcium and phosphorus. They added: "These are essential for birds' health and development, so peanuts are a good food."

Whether you are feeding wild birds or garden birds, add peanuts to their diet, and they will have the energy they need.

This food will help birds during the breeding and nesting seasons. By feeding peanuts regularly, you will make sure your feathered friends have the nutrients they need all year round.

From blue tits and greenfinches to house sparrows and nuthatches, many garden birds love peanuts as part of their diet.

The experts noted that larger birds like jays, jackdaws, crows and magpies like whole peanuts in their shells, whereas smaller birds like robins, dunnocks and wrens prefer crushed or grated peanuts.

This way, even the smallest birds can enjoy peanuts without struggling to carry or eat them.

The pros recommend using a squirrel-proof feeder, which will help keep those larger birds out if smaller birds are your targeted audience.

As well as feeding birds straight peanuts, you can also try smearing peanut butter on tree bark or using it in suet feeders for a "high-energy treat the birds will love".

Tray and dish feeders are also great for serving whole peanuts and splits, to attract different bird species.

Try different methods and see what works for the birds in your area, and "enjoy the birds flocking to your feeders".


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