Blackbirds are likely to become more visible in British gardens in October, and leaving out pears can keep them flocking back. The RSPB notes that October is a good month for spotting many familiar garden birds as autumn arrives and the colours change.
September can be a quiet time for birds in British gardens, but things start picking up in October. The next month is an important one for migration, which is true of many species. While blackbirds are present in September, they are more likely to be spotted in October as more fruit becomes readily available.
Why Blackbirds Appear More in October
According to the RSPB, the UK population of blackbirds increases significantly in the autumn as huge numbers from northern Europe join native birds in the UK to spend the relatively milder winter months here. This influx makes them more prominent in gardens during October.
There is one food group that people can put in their back gardens to keep blackbirds flocking back. According to the RSPB, blackbirds eat most fruits, as well as suet pellets and mealworms. The website Home and Roast expands on the blackbirds' menu, saying pears are a particular favourite of the species.
What to Feed Blackbirds
Home and Roast says: "There are so many things in our kitchens that blackbirds love. Ours get a few raisins soaked in warm water twice a day, and they will also eat all the cut-up pears we give them."
The nature lovers also recommended uncooked porridge oats, grated cheese and a range of other popular foods, including apples, grapes and bananas. Blackbirds have short legs and prefer foraging on the lawn or on a low ground-feeding tray rather than hanging feeders.
Feeding Advice for Autumn and Winter
Their diet also includes insects like caterpillars and beetles, earthworms, spiders and snails. The Woodland Trust says: "Insects and other invertebrates dominate the diet in spring and summer, while berries and seeds are more important in autumn and winter. When hunting, blackbirds mainly forage on the ground.
"They will ruffle through the undergrowth turning over fallen leaves in search of prey. When looking for worms, blackbirds rely on keen eyesight and hearing. They are able to spot a worm's tail sticking out of the soil and can even hear worms when they move under the surface."
Meanwhile, the RSPB has specific advice when it comes to feeding birds. It says birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather, adding that seeds and peanuts should only be fed between November and April.
It says: "Food in feeders should be eaten in one to two days, and suet balls eaten within seven days. When refilling, remove any old food first.
"During the spring and summer months, birds also require high-protein foods, especially when they're moulting. Mealworms are an excellent choice at this time of year in small amounts. Following our recent scientific review, we don't recommend feeding seeds and peanuts between May and November due to the risk of disease transmission."
