What is the ideal bird table?
Many garden centres, pet shops, and of course RSPB reserve shops sell bird tables. Usually they are wooden, and look quite rustic, but if a more unusual design would suit your garden, then you are free to experiment. The basic considerations are: • Aim for a table area of about 30cm x 50cm, so that the table is not too small (which will cause squabbles) • Your bird table needs to withstand being stood out in all weathers • Can your table be climbed easily by cats/foxes/rats? If your table is on a post, the straighter and smoother the post is, the more difficult it is for them to climb, although you can be innovative with bits of drainpipes or funnels half way up the post to thwart any climbing predator • Thatched tables look great but may be stripped by birds for nesting materials! • Tables which combine food and water compartments risk food tainting the water • The height of your bird table will depend somewhat on how high you can reach to replenish it, but aim for 150cm-180cm if poss
