March: A critical month for garden birds
As March arrives and daylight hours lengthen, garden birds across the UK enter one of the most demanding and important periods of their year. Many familiar species including blue tits, great tits, robins, blackbirds, house sparrows, dunnocks, chaffinches and greenfinches are pairing up, establishing territories and beginning to build nests. Over the coming weeks they will lay eggs and soon after, work tirelessly to feed hungry chicks. They need help from us to help them thrive.
This is a critical window. Natural food sources such as insects, larvae and fresh seed heads are only just beginning to emerge, and late cold snaps can still reduce availability. Following a notably wet and unsettled start to the year across much of the UK, with repeated rainfall and cooler periods extending into early spring, insect activity and early plant growth have been slower to establish in some areas. Reliable supplementary feeding during March can therefore play an important role in supporting breeding success and improving chick survival rates.
A varied, high-quality diet is essential. Sunflower hearts are one of the best all-round foods, rich in oil and easy for both adult birds and fledglings to eat. Peanuts (always offer these in mesh feeders and only feed wild bird nuts) provide valuable protein and fat for tits and woodpeckers. Suet pellets and fat balls offer concentrated energy, particularly useful during cold spells. Good quality seed mixes will attract finches, sparrows and in some areas, buntings, while mealworms are especially important as insect-eating species such as robins and blackbirds prepare to feed their young. Young chicks require protein-rich food for healthy growth; parents will prioritise natural insects, but mealworms can provide useful support when weather limits insect availability.
Providing appropriate feeders is equally important. Different species feed in different ways. Tube feeders suit small perching birds such as tits and finches. Peanut feeders are ideal for blue tits and great tits. Suet feeders attract a wide range of species including starlings and woodpeckers. Ground feeding trays benefit robins and blackbirds, which naturally forage lower down. Our feeder range is designed to support all of these feeding behaviours and help you create a well-balanced feeding station...
Alongside feeding, nesting support becomes vital in March. Many birds are actively searching for safe nesting sites. Installing additional nest boxes now can still be beneficial, provided they are positioned correctly, sheltered from prevailing winds, ideally facing north or east, and placed at a suitable height depending on species.
Consider offering a variety of nest box styles to suit different birds:
- 32mm entrance hole boxes for Tits & Sparrows
- Brushwood nesters, ideal for Blackbirds and Robins
- Open-fronted boxes for robins, wrens and pied wagtails
- Traditional wooden nest boxes, perfect for smaller birds, such as tits and sparrows
If nest boxes have been up over winter, check them carefully before cleaning. This next part is crucially important - birds may still be roosting overnight in colder weather. Watch for regular activity before opening any box and avoid disturbance once nesting has begun. Under UK law, active nests are protected. The RSPB provides clear guidance on nest box care and timing, have a look here.
To help birds build strong, insulated nests, offering natural nesting materials can make a difference. Our natural nesting wool is ideal for species such as tits and sparrows and provides safe, biodegradable insulation for early broods.
Predators are another challenge during nesting season. Position feeders and nest boxes away from fences or structures that allow easy access for cats. Providing nearby shrubs or hedging gives birds quick cover if disturbed. Avoid heavy pruning between March and September wherever possible, as nests may already be hidden within hedges and dense shrubs.
Cleanliness is also crucial. Warmer weather increases the risk of disease transmission at feeding stations. Clean feeders weekly with hot water and a suitable disinfectant, rotate feeding locations where practical, and refresh bird baths daily. RSPB and RSPCA advice on hygienic feeding practices can be found here and here.
Many once-common species, including house sparrows and starlings, have experienced long-term declines. By providing consistent food, safe nesting sites and clean water, gardens can play a meaningful role in supporting local biodiversity.
Now is the time to plan ahead! March is the ideal time to refresh your feeding station and prepare for nesting season, ensure you have:
- High-quality sunflower hearts for consistent daily feeding
- Protein-rich peanuts in secure mesh feeders
- Suet pellets or fat balls for sustained energy
- Mealworms to support breeding adults and growing chicks
- A selection of nest boxes suited to your garden visitors
- Natural nesting wool to encourage successful early broods
Stocking up now ensures continuity of feeding during this crucial breeding period. Interruptions in food supply can cause birds to abandon feeding areas, so maintaining a steady source is key.
Create a reliable, well-balanced feeding station this spring and give your garden birds the strongest possible start to the breeding season. Use the code BIRDS for 10% off your first order and enjoy the variety of garden birds you will share your garden with all year round.