Erin McDaid of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust writes about to feed or not to feed garden birds

For decades, wildlife organisations have extolled the virtues of feeding garden birds – both in terms of benefits to our feathered friends and to our own well-being. — writes Erin McDaid of Nottinghashire Wildlife Trust.

Feeding garden birds is believed to be the single most common interaction between humans and wildlife on the planet and has become a multi-billion-pound industry.

There is plenty of evidence that it has boosted urban bird populations, and that the close and regular connection to nature is good for us, too – but there are growing concerns that in some cases, we may be killing with kindness.

Until relatively recently, there have been concerns over possible negative impacts of bird feeding; focused on the potential spread of disease due to birds congregating and coming into contact with contaminated foodstuffs, or dirty feeders and bird tables.

However, a number of studies have highlighted concerns over wider impacts such as pressures on species that don’t use or benefit from supplementary feeding.

Most research has looked at the benefits to target species, those accessing supplementary food, but more studies are now looking at other wider and indirect impacts.

While the issue is very complex, at a basic level, one concern is that species well-adapted to using bird tables and garden feeders are then better able to out- compete with other species for natural foodstuffs or nest sites.

Although supplementary food helps many species, the proportion of birds’ diet that is made up of foods put out by us is still surprisingly low.

As a result, birds that are fitter, stronger and more numerous due to supplementary feeding may be muscling out other species for natural food and nest sites.

Given that most species are affected by human activity, one could argue that supplementary feeding is just redressing the balance of loss of habitat and other negative human impacts, but we shouldn’t ignore concerns that our well-intentioned efforts might have unintentional consequences.

While more research is needed and underway to fully understand this concerning conundrum, one way to reduce the likelihood of promoting one species over another is to feed a wide variety of foodstuff using a range of different feeders. This will provide opportunities for as many species as possible.

Alongside the provision of supplementary feed, those of us with gardens can do more to provide natural foodstuffs by planting fruit trees or seed-bearing plants such as teasels.

For now, the consensus seems to be that feeding is a good thing but concerns over the impact of diseases have become heightened following a dramatic decline in the numbers of green finches. Greenfinches and chaffinches are particularly susceptible to Trichomoniasis – a disease that can readily spread when bird droppings contaminate food and feeding areas.

While it has long been advised that anyone feeding the birds should practice good hygiene by regularly washing feeders, bird baths and bird tables – the RSPB have recently halted the sale of bird tables and flat feeders whilst they await the results of a study into the role these might play in spreading disease.

As well as cleaning any feeders and surfaces, it is also vital to prevent left over food from becoming mouldy, reducing the chances of spreading bacteria such as salmonella, which also hits finches hard.

With spring just around the corner, millions of us want to be giving garden birds the best chance of success this year, so if you do feed the birds, I’d suggest the following tips:

Offer a range of different foods. If buying commercial bird seed and food mixes, buy from trusted suppliers and get the best quality you can.

Feed in different areas of the garden; feeding little and often will prevent food from being out for too long and getting wet and contaminated.

If you use hanging feeders, move them around. If they’re usually hung from your only tree, invest in a feeder hanging pole that you can move.

Clean feeders, bird baths and tables with disinfectant, then rinse and allow to dry.

If you are particularly worried about the risk posed by bird tables and flat feeding trays but still want to help species such as blackbirds that don’t use feeders, you can simply scatter a small amount of food on your patio, deck or lawn.

However, don’t use the same area for too long to avoid the build-up of pathogens.

As well as feeding the birds, the provision of nest boxes is another way to replace lost habitat and bring birds closer to us.

This week happens to be National Nest Box Week – so there couldn’t be a better time to put one up.

As well as traditional tit boxes with a hole in the front, or open fronted boxes for species like robins and wrens – why not consider something a little more unusual such as a swift box, to see if you can tempt in the swifts when they return from Africa in the spring?

On Thursday, March 6, our Newark & Sherwood Local Group will host an amazing talk by Ted Grey at Newark Library from 7.30pm covering the contrasting scenery and lifestyles of Islands from the Arran Islands of Western Ireland to Svalbard and Shetlands.