So many of us get huge pleasure from feeding wild birds in our gardens, and it can be a satisfying way to connect with nature as we watch the antics of our feathered visitors and feel we are helping to support wildlife.
However, there's been a lot of publicity from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), supported by scientists and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), suggesting that we need to rethink the subject of feeding wild birds. Springwatch (Episode 11 BBC iPlayer) also publicised and and clarified the advice.
Importantly, they are NOT saying we should stop feeding entirely, but adjust WHEN and HOW we do it.
You see, there is a danger that we might, unwittingly, be helping to spread a disease ((trichomonosis) which causes the lingering and distressing death of the finch family, greenfinches and chaffinches in particular.
Greefinch by Charles J Sharp
Here are some simple guidelines to consider if you want to keep our wild birds safer. You might already be following these, but many are still unaware of the latest science:
Feed seasonally – it’s important to adjust what we feed our garden birds during the warmer months when there’s a higher risk of disease spreading:
- From 1 May to 31 October pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place. (But it's apparently ok to offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round - just enough for a day or two.)
Feed safely – just one infected bird can turn your busy feeder into a disease hotspot. To help keep birds healthy, we need to prioritise hygiene:
* Scrupulously clean your feeders weekly. If possible, place your feeders in a different spot after each clean to prevent the build-up of contaminated debris underneath. Clear up any existing debris.
- Only offer water if you’re able to change it every day - and use tap water. Water baths should be cleaned weekly.
*Stop using flat-surfaced feeders - including bird tables. Research has confirmed there’s a higher risk of the disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect for other birds to eat.
Supplementary feeding can favour certain species (such as bluetits and great tits) at the expense of others, which can disturb the natural ecological balance.
Bullfinch by Stan Ashbourne Goldfinch by Caroline Legg Chaffinch by Michael Maggs
As well as adjusting the way we feed our garden birds, there are many other ways we can support them all to find their own natural food. FNM has always advocated growing bird-friendly plants such as sunflowers, teasels, ivy and other berried shrubs and trees. A small tree, whose fruit is popular with blackbirds, is the Juneberry/Amelanchier, with delicate white flowers and early black berries.
Also, growing a wide range of native and garden plants will encourage the pollinating insects whose larvae/caterpillars are food for birds, and especially needed for the babies in the nesting season.
Further reading:
https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/growing-your-own-bird-food/
https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/wildlife/help-birds-year-round
https://tracybrighten.com/environment/feeding-garden-birds-pros-cons/