The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued a stark winter warning to nature lovers across the United Kingdom. The nation's largest nature conservation charity is urging households to immediately stop using traditional bird tables to help protect garden birds from a heightened risk of disease.
This call to action comes as severe winter weather grips the country. On 6 January 2026, the Met Office issued multiple snow and ice warnings, covering all of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and most of England. During such cold snaps, garden birds face immense survival challenges, with populations known to plummet by 50% or more during particularly harsh winters.
Why Flat Surfaces Are a Danger to Birds
The RSPB's guidance, shared in a recent Facebook post, is clear: while providing extra food is crucial in winter, the method of delivery is vital. The charity states that "damp food on flat surfaces can increase the risks of spreading disease." Bird tables, with their large, flat wooden surfaces, pose a specific threat as they can harbour rotting food, wet seed shells, and contaminated droppings.
This environment creates a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens. Infected birds can leave saliva or faeces where others feed, which is a primary transmission route for Trichomonosis. This parasitic disease has already caused a devastating 66% decline in UK Greenfinch numbers. Flat surfaces also promote the growth of Salmonella bacteria, which is especially prevalent at feeders during winter and spring.
Furthermore, bird tables artificially congregate different species in close proximity, facilitating the spread of germs between birds that would not normally interact so closely in the wild. As a precautionary step, the RSPB ceased sales of all flat bird tables and similar products at the start of 2025.
Common Winter Bird Diseases to Watch For
The RSPB highlights three key diseases that proliferate in colder months:
- Trichomonosis: Spread via saliva, it causes throat sores in birds, often leading to starvation.
- Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated droppings, frequently affecting ground-feeding flocks like house sparrows and greenfinches.
- Avian Pox: A viral infection causing warty growths on a bird's head, legs, and wings, with cases often rising in autumn and winter.
How to Feed Garden Birds Safely This Winter
Instead of bird tables, the RSPB strongly recommends using hanging feeders for suet, peanuts, and seeds. The charity also provides essential hygiene tips for bird lovers:
Do not overfill feeders – only provide enough food for a maximum of two days. Clean feeders regularly with a mild, non-toxic disinfectant or washing-up liquid and allow them to air-dry completely. It is also important to sweep up any spilled seed beneath feeders and to change the water in bird baths frequently.
For those wishing to support wildlife naturally, the RSPB suggests planting sunflowers, teasels, hawthorn, holly, and ivy. These provide excellent natural food and shelter. Creating leaf piles in autumn can attract insects, a vital natural food source, while hollow plant stems offer overwintering sites for beneficial insects.
By making these simple changes, UK residents can play a critical role in safeguarding beloved garden bird species through the challenging winter months and beyond.
