If you've been labouring tirelessly to create a stunning garden, it can be disappointing when birds fail to make it their home.
However, don't despair.
Specialists say that by introducing just a handful of straightforward features, you can transform your outdoor space into a bird paradise.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reveals that more than 140 bird species have been spotted in British gardens, though only 30 are regular visitors.
You might be surprised to discover that each species has distinct preferences, so knowing their favourite foods is essential to making your garden more attractive, reports the Express.
"Use different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds," specialists at the RHS explained online.
"Although fat is important, particularly in winter, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
"No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat."
Whilst there are countless preferences to take into account, experts have highlighted the following crucial points:
Mealworms and seed mixtures are also popular treats for numerous bird species.
If you wish to control which creatures can reach the food, think about using an enclosed feeder with a protective outer cage.
Leaving food out on a standard bird table could lead to larger birds, such as magpies, taking over the area, frequently at the cost of their smaller relatives. Squirrels are notorious for stealing food and can even scare away birds.
Despite their cunning nature, which may allow them to sneak through the bars of 'anti-pest' feeders, you can minimise this by positioning these feeders away from overhanging branches and other easy access points.
Jean Vernon, from Richard Jackson Garden, has previously said: "Squirrels are rather partial to a lot of things in our gardens, especially the bird food. But they will also dig up tulip bulbs and eat them.
"They love apples, squash and sweet corn and collect masses of acorns, conkers and nuts. Why not feed the squirrels with a special feeder full of hazelnuts, then you get the best of both worlds, you can watch the birds and the squirrels too."
Meanwhile, RHS experts have noted: "A good population of birds in the garden is part of a healthy garden ecosystem, helping to keep caterpillars and aphids in check, which can damage garden plants."