Renowned gardening expert and television presenter Monty Don has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to continue feeding wild birds throughout the current month and into April. The beloved horticulturist emphasised that supporting avian wildlife does not require specialised purchases, as many suitable food items are already commonly found in household kitchens.
Essential Support During Nesting Season
In his April 2024 blog, Monty Don highlighted the critical period birds are facing. "Most birds will be nesting and laying eggs and hatching young over the course of the month. Keep putting out food if you have any," he advised. He specifically pointed to simple kitchen leftovers as effective alternatives to conventional bird food, noting that "flakes of cheese and breadcrumbs are good if you do not have access to conventional bird food."
Further elaborating in his March 2024 blog, Don explained the heightened energy demands on birds during this time. "Most birds are nesting and laying eggs this month, and many will start rearing young. So this is a time that puts great demands on their energy when there is not much natural food around," he wrote. He recommended focusing on high-energy offerings such as fat, peanuts, and sunflower seeds to help sustain them.
Optimal Feeder Placement According to the RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) provides clear guidance on where to position bird feeders to ensure safety and appeal for visiting birds. Key recommendations include:
- Choosing a quiet location where birds will not be easily disturbed.
- Ensuring the spot is sheltered from harsh winds and other extreme weather conditions.
- Placing feeders not too close to bushes where predators might hide, but near enough to cover so birds can quickly escape if needed.
- Selecting a site with a good all-around view for the birds while they feed.
The RSPB also suggests positioning feeders where they can be easily seen from indoors, allowing for enjoyable observation. They caution that it may take some time for birds to become accustomed to a new feeder, so patience is advised if initial visits are sparse.
Maintaining Hygiene and Safety
Keeping bird feeders and baths clean is paramount to prevent the spread of disease among bird populations. The RSPB outlines a routine maintenance schedule:
- Brush off debris each time feeders are refilled.
- Scrub feeders weekly with a mild disinfectant solution.
- Move feeders occasionally to avoid accumulation of droppings underneath.
- Rinse water containers daily, especially in warm weather, and allow them to dry before refilling.
If a sick bird is observed, immediate action is necessary:
- Stop feeding immediately.
- Thoroughly clean all feeders.
- Store feeders away in a place like a garage or shed.
- Wait two to four weeks before resuming feeding.
- Repeat the process if another sick bird appears.
While some bird diseases can potentially affect humans, the risk is generally low. To minimise any health concerns, it is advisable to wear gloves when cleaning feeders or bird baths and to wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
Monty Don's call to action underscores the importance of community effort in supporting wildlife during challenging seasons, using readily available resources to make a significant difference.
