Monty Don reveals unlikely kitchen ingredient to help garden birds this winter

As winter approaches, garden birds find it harder to source natural food supplies. Many species can struggle to find enough energy to survive the cold months.

Providing a bird house or shelter in the garden not only helps them through harsh conditions, but also offers a chance to observe their fascinating behaviour up close. High-energy seeds, nuts and fat-rich foods are particularly important, while fruit and leftover grains are quickly consumed. With a little planning, even a small garden can become a winter haven for birds.

Renowned gardener Monty Don says one of his favourite winter pastimes is "watching the birds feed at the table outside our kitchen window."

On his website, the BBC Gardeners' World legend explains: "Obviously it helps for the food to be as calorific as possible and seeds, nuts and fat are best of all. Left-over pastry, bread and rice always get eaten fast and fruit is good, especially for blackbirds and thrushes."

One particularly unusual food he suggests is grated cheese. High in fat and protein, cheese can provide a valuable energy boost when natural food sources are scarce. The small, soft pieces are easy for birds such as robins, wrens and dunnocks to eat and digest and also provides essential nutrients like calcium and fats, which help birds maintain body heat during cold weather.

However, it's important to use only mild, low-salt cheese - never strong or processed varieties - since too much salt can be harmful to birds.

Don warns: "Avoid anything salty such as crisps, salted peanuts or bacon. I buy dried mealworms too which robins, tits and wrens gobble up greedily. If in doubt sunflower seeds and fat-balls - preferably hanging so tits can land on them without being bullied away by more aggressive birds - are invariably popular."

To prevent larger birds such as pigeons and starlings from eating all the food, Don suggests using an old log with cracks and crevices. "The smaller birds will extract every last bit from the fissures that bigger ones cannot reach," he explains.

Consistency is key, he adds. "Once you start to feed, try and be as regular as possible with the supply, as the birds use up precious energy in coming to your bird table which is then wasted if it is bare." Fresh water is also essential, particularly in freezing conditions, to help the birds survive the cold winter months.

Amazon shoppers have found a winner for bird loving gardens in the shape of the Kingsyard Weatherproof Bird Feeder. Currently reduced from £33 to £28.49, the bird feeder with a dome shaped shelter ensures feathered friends are fed all year round.

Designed to keep seeds dry and protect birds from rain and snow, the bottom tray includes drainage holes to help food last longer, and the 12-inch dome offers ample shelter. With separate compartments, it can hold up to 2.5 lbs of different seeds, allowing small and large birds to feed without conflict.

Made from powder-coated metal, the feeder is rust-proof, chew-resistant and durable. The top lid lifts easily for refilling and cleaning, making it ideal for attracting garden favourites such as finches, sparrows and chickadees.

Another top choice for the winter months is a covered bird feeder table like the Maypole Adjustable Bird Table. With a covered roof it adds some protection from the elements, but open sides could make it easy for squirrels and other rodents to pilfer food.

One sale for £27.99, buyers have called it "a nice bird feeder" and "absolutely worth the money."

Other options for keeping the birds fed in the colder weather include the Peckish Complete Bird Table from Argos. A bit more expensive at £80, this model has an easy to assemble design, a flip top lid for easy cleaning and lots of five-star reviews.

Bird lovers with deeper pockets could consider the Birdfy Ebony Lite Smart Bird Feeder Solar Panel with Camera. At £129 it's more than just a bird feeder and can be used year round with a discreet camera to capture visitors on a mobile phone.

For anyone looking for a more decorative design, the Fallen Fruits Black Copper Seed Dispenser is currently on sale at Dunelm for £18. The black and copper bird feeder offers some protection from the weather and has several perches for smaller birds.

Buyers who have already snapped up the Kingsyard Weatherproof Bird Feeder have given it an impressive 4.5 out of five-star rating across more than 1500 reviews. One said: "Great product. No faults at all. Small birds find it easy to access, larger birds try but do spill the nuts and seeds as they flap from a side."

Another added: "Excellent for small birds. This birdfeeder's compact style with rain protector hood offers two different mesh fillers which are easy to top up. It attracts smaller birds plus keeps away squirrels."

A third added: "Simply put, its a great bird feeder: sturdy, cleverly designed (very minimal spilling!), aesthetically pleasing, I can't say enough good things."

Not every buyer was quite so impressed, however, with one noting: "One side works ok for thistle seed. But the other side doesn't work as well and grate spacing doesn't allow birds to remove larger seeds like black sunflower seed"

A delighted Amazon customer who left one of the many five-star reviews said: "Best bird feeder I have found! Keeps seed dry and practically no waste! Love, love, love, this product and the birds do too!"

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