Have just discovered birds nest in tree

[inej]

Is there any type of food or seed that i can drop near the tree to feed them ?Also while this hot weather as been on we have been hoseing the plants ,this tree is only small with lots of leaves , with the nest being there do you think we should avoid the tree ? Or is it alright to still spray the water ? thanks

[Ethel]

Leave water in shallow dishes - the upturned dustbin lid with an inch of water would be ideal. This will be the very best thing you can for the birds at this time of year.

You can buy wild bird seed and peanuts quite cheaply. It is not a good idea to put it on the ground though - it will encourage rats, and birds feeding on the ground will be extra vulnerable to cats and so on.

Hanging feeders around the garden would be excellent. Or on a raised bird table.

Carry on spraying your tree. The nesting birds have to cope with rain, wind and won't be distressed.

[inej]

Thank you Ethel you have been most helpful.,will do this tomorrow.We have a cat ,but luckily she hasn't discovered this nest because it is hidden well. I only discovered it by accident ,by sitting quietly in the garden.
Thank you for telling me about spraying the tree was a little worried that maybe we would harm them , you know with the force of the water, but will go carefully.
Thanks again .

[WendyS]

Don't know what type of bird you have nesting there but softer food will be gratefully accepted. We often put out fatty oats (oats which have soaked up the surplus fat from the grill pan) and Atora suet pellets (which blackbirds and robins especially go for when they have young birds to feed).

I'm sure a very fine spraying of your tree won't hurt occasionally unless the baby birds are so small they haven't yet developed feathers. Are you sure the nest is still being used as some birds only raise one flock in early spring and then desert the nest?