Feed the birds

Home bird watching can be as casual or organised as you like, but to ensure you get a good mix of birds you need a feeder or two, some water and a nest box. ‘This means you're providing food, water and shelter, which are the basic requirements,' says Gemma Rogers from the RSPB.

Try a mix of ground feeders, tables and hanging feeders to attract different birds, and perhaps some insect hotels, such as log piles or leaves. If you're lucky the birds will feed close enough to the window that you won't need binoculars to watch them.

Whole nuts can choke birds, so it's best to crush them or use hanging feeders. Keep bird food off the ground to protect feeders and birds from prowling cats. Fat balls or fat-filled halved coconut shells are good in winter, and birds also need a shallow dish of water for drinking and washing.

You're likely to see house sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, blue tits, chaffinches, wood pigeons, robins, great tits, collared doves and goldfinches.

Some slightly more unusual birds you may see in September include autumn migrants, like chiff chaffs, redwings, blackcaps and the odd spotted flycatcher.

Find out more about attracting birds to your garden or balcony by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/hfw.

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