E: 08/11 Win a Feathersnap bird feeder with built-in webcam worth £159

Comping_Rich · 24 October at 11:07AM

https://www.thesun.co.uk/competitions/37104856/win-a-bird-feeder-competition/

WITH Winter on it’s way – it’s a good time to think about looking after our feathered friends in your outside spaces.

Natural food sources are becoming increasingly scarce – so a bird feeder will help keep them happy in the cold weather.

Maria Kincaid, in-house Ornithologist and Research Specialist for FeatherSnap shares her expert advice on how to attract more birds, from feeding tips to creating a safe and welcoming haven this winter.

“Make it a healthy habitat – having native plants, insects for the birds to eat, cover, and nesting spots are a great way to attract birds to your garden!

“Minimize the pesticides – many birds eat insects, and making sure your garden is part of the ecosystem make sure that not only will your plants be pollinated, but the birds that eat the insects will come in!

“Protect from bird strikes – if you’ve got windows that have a glare, the birds may not realize that it’s not a spot they can fly through.

“If you’ve had birds hit your windows, consider adding UV dots or decals, so that the birds can see the glass.

“When hanging feeders near windows, make sure that they are within 3 feet so they birds can’t build up enough momentum to hurt themselves against the glass

“A messy garden is a bird friendly one! Leaving piles of sticks or fallen leaves in the corners of your garden make great foraging spots for ground feeding birds, and leaving seed heads on flowers will encourage seed eaters to come in for a snack.

“Water is very important to birds. Most birds that are found in our gardens need water to drink, and caring for feathers helps in heat regulation and allowing for flight.

“If there’s not a natural water source nearby, adding a bird bath is a great way to attract birds.

“Make sure it’s shallow enough that birds can still stand or consider adding rocks or other perches in the deepest parts so that smaller birds (or bees!) can get a drink, or consider adding a fountain to your bird bath!

“Not only will it attract birds, but it makes it easier for some to take a nice bath. Make sure to clean it regularly and keep it full. 

“Best practice is to keep feeders either within three feet or more than ten feet from your windows, to minimize damage to birds via window strike.

Also consider distance to trees and other jumping off points for squirrels.
The height of your feeder should also be considered.

At least five feet off the ground is a great height for avoiding squirrels, but also makes it easy for most of us to reach for re-filling and maintenance.

Cats are ambush predators and can jump six-eight feet. I generally suggest placing your feeder somewhere near cover so that birds can get away to a place that makes them feel safe.

Unfortunately, this also gives cats a great hiding spot. You can also add things to your garden to deter feral or neighborhood cats from coming in.
As far as birds go, any birds that would be hunting other birds are quite agile.

So, having your feeder in a semi-open spot, near bushes or trees that provide cover for them to escape to is great, but also allows for them to be vigilant in looking for aerial predators.

FeatherSnap is the innovative smart bird feeder with built-in webcam, allowing you to experience birdwatching like never before, right from your home.

And we’ve got one to give away – worth £159.99 plus a year’s free subscription, worth £49.99.

To enter fill in the form below.

Or write to Sun Feathersnap Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.

Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. November 8, 2025. T&Cs apply