Gardening expert Monty Don has encouraged people to continue feeding birds throughout April, using common kitchen scraps instead of specialised bird food. In his April 2024 blog, the British television presenter and horticulturist advised that most birds are nesting, laying eggs and hatching young during the month, placing high demands on their energy.
Don suggested that flakes of cheese and breadcrumbs serve as suitable alternatives if conventional bird food is unavailable. He previously recommended high-energy items such as fat, peanuts and sunflower seeds in his March blog, noting that natural food sources remain scarce at this time.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) advises placing bird feeders in quiet, sheltered locations away from strong winds. Feeders should not be too close to bushes where predators may hide, but near enough to cover for birds to escape quickly. The RSPB also emphasises keeping feeders clean to maintain bird health.
