How to attract blue tits to your garden in autumn
Autumn is one of the best times to start attracting blue tits – and other small garden birds – as they prepare for winter. Here’s a few top tips to help:
Provide the right food
Blue tits are active, acrobatic birds that need plenty of high-energy food, especially as insects become scarce in autumn.
Most suitable options:
Suet — fat balls, blocks, or pellets (often containing insects, mealworm or fruit)
Peanuts — only from a mesh feeder – never plastic netting - to prevent choking hazards
Sunflower hearts — packed with energy and easy to eat
Mealworms — a great protein boost
High-quality seed mixes — look for ones designed for tits or small birds (avoid cheap mixes full of wheat or barley)
Make sure that you keep feeders topped up — consistency helps birds to recognise that your garden is a reliable food source.
Offer Clean Water
Provide a bird bath for both drinking and bathing.
In autumn, rainwater helps, but keep it clean and shallow (2–3 cm deep).
Check daily for leaves or ice later in the season.
Add Shelter and Nesting Spots
Even though they won’t nest again until spring, blue tits will start roosting in boxes during cold nights.
Install a nest box now so they get used to it.
Use a small-hole entrance (25mm) box to keep larger birds out.
Place it about 2–4 metres high, facing north or east to avoid harsh sun and prevailing winds.
Avoid boxes near feeders to reduce territorial squabbles.
Plant Native Trees and Shrubs
Natural food and cover are just as important as feeders.
Good autumn plants for blue tits include:
Hawthorn, rowan, or holly (berries and shelter)
Silver birch, hazel, or oak (harbour insects for future food)
Ivy (provides insects and late shelter)
Keep Feeders and Baths Clean
Clean feeders weekly with hot water and use a hygiene spray.
This prevents disease and keeps birds returning.
Avoid Disturbance
Blue tits are bold but cautious. Keep feeders:
Away from busy paths or loud noises
Near trees or hedges for quick cover from predators