Songbirds will 'flock to your garden' if you follow five outdoor rules

There's nothing like sitting outside in your when the sun is out, the flowers are in bloom and the birds are singing. Well, at least you hope they are.

Lots of people wish more birds visited their outdoor spaces to hear song, encourage biodiversity and make the area feel more alive. Little you may know, there are a few things you can do to attract songbirds and, means as it's Bird Day (May 4), it seems a good time to learn more about it.

A video shared by Roam Wild UK on reveals five simple things anyone can do to encourage songbirds to visit. It's not as tough as you think to pull off.

In the clip, he starts by saying you should fill your bird feeder with that only feeds songbirds. By doing this, they won't have to compete for food in your garden.

He also said it's important to position the feeder near a bush or a tree. They feel safer here, so they're more likely to pay you a visit if you place them in either spot.

Feeders also need decent hanging brackets, as they help to keep it stable and prevent squirrels from knocking it off. He also noted you should never give birds cheap feed.

Instead, he advises to give them sunflower hearts, because they eat them all and don't throw it on the ground. If your feeder is running low, he advises you to place a new one next to it.

This is because, when food runs out, they'll simply move over to the other feeder. Many have shared their thoughts on the ideas since they were shared.

One said: "Number four is the most important. Cheap seed is a total waste of money. Birds hate it." Another wrote: "Sunflower hearts aren't the cheapest, but everything likes them. It all gets eaten, and there's no mess. Happy birds."

A third also added: "Great advice. I have six feeders and a pond, so they can drink and bathe, and it's got a waterfall (and filter system), so it doesn't all freeze."

How to use a bird feeder

To make the most of a bird feeder, you need to place it in a safe location. Make sure it's away from predators and close enough to cover for birds to retreat.

You also need to keep it clean, and ensure you fill it up when it runs empty. Think about the birds you're feeding when selecting a feeder and where you place it in the garden.

Many people recommend getting a feeder with a bottom that drains well to stop water from collecting and encouraging mould. You can get some that are super easy to clean.

One thing you need to know is bird feeders have the potential to attract rats due to the fact they home food. They can be drawn to spilled seed or even try and access the feeder itself.

To try and prevent this becoming a problem, think about using a rat-proof feeder. Ensure your feed is stored properly, and clean up any spilled food as soon as you see it.