As summer fades and the mornings turn cooler, our gardens begin to quieten, but for many of the UK’s favourite garden birds, autumn is one of the busiest times of year. After a demanding breeding season, birds like robins, finches and tits need to restore their energy reserves, build strength, and prepare for colder months ahead.
Food becomes harder to find as insects dwindle and natural seeds begin to disappear, so this is the perfect time to lend a helping hand. Feeding the right foods now will not only keep your garden full of life but will also help birds stay healthy and strong through autumn and into winter.
At Walter Products, we’re passionate about making it easy for people to support local wildlife, with high-quality, nutritious feeds that match the natural diet of the birds we love most.
Why Autumn Feeding Matters
Autumn is a season of change. After raising chicks through spring and summer, many birds enter a period called moulting, replacing old feathers with new ones to prepare for the cold. This process takes a lot of energy and nutrients, so protein and fat-rich foods are vital.
Insect populations also drop sharply as temperatures cool, meaning birds that rely on bugs and grubs must look for alternative food sources. By providing high-quality supplementary feed, you can help robins, finches and tits maintain body weight, stay active, and face the winter months in top condition.
Robins – The Garden Favourite
Robins are one of the most beloved garden birds in Britain, bold, curious, and a joy to watch up close. Unlike many species, robins remain highly active throughout autumn and winter, so they benefit from consistent feeding.
Best foods for robins:
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Mealworms and Calci Worms – These are the closest match to the robin’s natural diet of insects. Packed with protein and calcium, they support feather growth and strength.
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Peanuts (crushed or chopped) – A brilliant source of energy and healthy fats, ideal for robins who prefer feeding from the ground or a tray.
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Fat Balls (crumbled) – Break them into small pieces to make them easier for robins to manage while foraging.
Walter Products Tip: Place mealworms or crushed peanuts on a low tray or feeding table, away from busy hanging feeders. Robins love to feed close to cover like shrubs or hedges.
Finches – Colourful Visitors
Finches such as goldfinches, chaffinches and greenfinches add colour and song to autumn gardens. As seed-eaters, they appreciate a mix of textures and high-energy grains to keep them going through cooler days.
Best foods for finches:
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Mixed Seed Blends – A good quality mix, such as Walter’s high-energy blends, provides the perfect combination of seeds for a variety of finch species.
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Peanuts – Offer them from a secure mesh feeder to prevent birds from taking whole nuts, which can be a choking hazard.
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Fat Balls – Provide valuable fat content that helps finches maintain their energy levels as natural food sources decline.
Walter Products Tip: Keep feeders clean and regularly topped up, finches feed in flocks and will return to a reliable source throughout the season.
Tits – The Acrobats of the Garden
Blue tits, great tits and coal tits are some of the most active birds in autumn, constantly flitting between feeders in search of food. Their high metabolism means they need regular access to protein and energy.
Best foods for tits:
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Mealworms or Calci Worms – Excellent for protein and calcium, supporting their energetic movements and feather condition.
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Peanuts – A favourite for hanging feeders; tits will happily cling and peck throughout the day.
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Fat Balls – Another top choice, providing vital fats and energy for these busy little birds.
Walter Products Tip: Use a variety of feeders, hanging feeders for peanuts and fat balls, and trays or dishes for mealworms, to attract a wider mix of tits and ensure they all have easy access to food.
The Importance of Water and Hygiene
As important as food is, fresh water is equally vital. Birds use it not just for drinking but for cleaning their feathers, especially during moulting. In autumn, when rainwater can stagnate, remember to keep bird baths and water trays clean and topped up.
Feeders should also be washed regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and mould, especially when using fat-based foods.
Why Choose Walter Products Bird Food
Our bird foods are made to order, ensuring freshness and quality with every bag or tub. We use premium, natural ingredients, including high-protein mealworms, nutrient-rich Calci Worms, and energy-packed fat balls, to give birds the balanced nutrition they need.
We believe feeding birds should be simple, sustainable and satisfying, both for them and for you. With recyclable packaging, no added waste, and honest ingredients, Walter Products helps you create a garden that’s full of life all year round.
Feeding robins, finches and tits through autumn isn’t just about helping wildlife survive, it’s about keeping your garden thriving with movement, song and colour when everything else begins to slow down.
With a little care and the right feed, you’ll see familiar faces returning each day, and perhaps even new visitors joining them. So stock up on mealworms, Calci Worms, fat balls, and peanuts from Walter Products, and make your garden a haven for Britain’s most charming birds this season.
