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Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust expert says feeding birds is good for wellbeing as well as nature




As we continue to hunker down during dreary, damp and downright chilly days, opportunities to come face to face with wild creatures can be harder to come by without wrapping up warm and braving the worst of the winter weather, writes Erin McDaid, of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

One way around this is to feed garden birds, which is a great way to bring wildlife to you. As well as helping our feathered friends, it has real potential to make you feel better too.

Taking action for nature is also the best way to tackle negative news about the environment and beat growing levels of ‘eco anxiety’.

Smaller birds such as goldfinches and greenfinches can be drawn to bird feeders. Photo: Martyn Foulconbridge.
Smaller birds such as goldfinches and greenfinches can be drawn to bird feeders. Photo: Martyn Foulconbridge.

Doing something positive helps us feel more in control and feeding garden birds delivers a win-win situation, bringing real pleasure whilst giving nature a helping hand.

While a garden will present a wider range of opportunities to feed the birds, those without access to a garden can still do their bit.

Many species can be attracted to feed on a windowsill or balcony and those with really limited space there are even special feeders that attach to the outside of a window to give you really close encounters of the bird kind.

Before deciding to throw what remains of last week’s loaf onto your lawn its worth taking the time to consider a few basic principles that will help you make the most of opportunities to observe a range of species and ensure you don’t end up killing birds with kindness.

Many species including Robins will appreciate supplementary feeding when weather conditions are harsh. Photo: Paul Fitzgerald .
Many species including Robins will appreciate supplementary feeding when weather conditions are harsh. Photo: Paul Fitzgerald .
Insects form a key part of many species’ diets and will enjoy high protein treats such as mealworms. Photo: David Stainwright
Insects form a key part of many species’ diets and will enjoy high protein treats such as mealworms. Photo: David Stainwright

Different birds have different dietary requirements and feeding habits and once you understand the basics you’ve got every chance of attracting a range of common species such as blackbirds, tits and robins in as well as increasing your chances of seeing some less frequent visitors.

Some birds such as robins will happily feed on bird tables, but some smaller birds can get pushed out by larger, more rambunctious species and may prefer hanging feeders.

Small agile birds, including blue tits will happily take food from hanging feeders, giving you the chance to provide sustenance for birds without feeding the local squirrel or pigeon population if you so choose.

If you decide to install a bird table, make sure it’s a distance away from fences or dense hedgerows that might provide a launch site for predators including cats.

Species including song thrush will relish windfall or bruised apples. Credit: Margaret Holland.
Species including song thrush will relish windfall or bruised apples. Credit: Margaret Holland.

Whichever way you choose to provide the food, make sure you adjust the amount to match demand.

Don’t allow food to build up and go stale. Stale and rotting food develops harmful bacteria and surplus food can also attract rats.

While blackbirds and thrushes will happily peck away at bruised or windfall apples simply strewn on a lawn or patio — if feeding seed or high fat items such as suet pellets for ground feeders, its best to place the food on a mesh tray to prevent it becoming soggy and going mouldy.

Whilst a few breadcrumbs, small quantities of leftover pastries, or cooked rice will be welcomed, birds will thrive if provided with a varied diet including high quality seeds, nuts, and high protein items such as mealworms.

Blue Tit at feeder. Photo: Scott Tilley.
Blue Tit at feeder. Photo: Scott Tilley.

Whilst some commercial bird foods might seem expensive, high-quality mixes will contain lower levels of bulking items such as wheat which will often be ignored by smaller species leading to waste.

Foods such as tiny niger seed can seem very expensive but if supplied in a specially designed feeder can attract species such as gold finches and produce very little waste.

But if you’re feeding on a budget, try uncooked porridge oats which are very cheap and nutritious for species including blackbirds, finches and sparrows.

Other golden rules include always providing clean, fresh water as well as cleaning your bird table, feeders and feeding trays regularly.

If putting out food for birds- its also important to provide fresh water. Photo: Lynne Demaine.
If putting out food for birds- its also important to provide fresh water. Photo: Lynne Demaine.

It also important to completely clean out your bird bath — allowing it to dry before refilling — to limit the build-up of algae and bacteria.

When freshening up your feeding stations remember to wear gloves and it's also a good idea to move things around every now and again to reduce the likelihood of pathogens from bird droppings and leftover food building up below bird tables or hanging feeders.

By providing a variety of foodstuffs in different ways and keeping on top of basic hygiene you can brighten your days at a sometimes-dull time of year whilst knowing you’re doing your bit to help local wildlife.



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