Gardeners are being urged not to throw away leftover Halloween pumpkins, as they can be turned into a simple homemade bird feeder that helps wild birds as winter approaches.
November is said to be the best time to start feeding wild birds, because most plants begin to die off for the year and the ground freezes, driving many insects deeper underground. As natural food sources dry up, birds need to eat more to store fat and stay warm in the colder weather.
Why pumpkins help garden birds
Pumpkin seeds provide protein, healthy fats and minerals, offering wild birds a nutritional boost during the colder months. The flesh also contains moisture, giving birds an additional source of hydration.
The bright orange colour of the pumpkin may initially catch birds' attention, while the seeds and other food inside encourage them to return. One gardener said she has been putting leftover pumpkins out for years and currently has two robins visiting every morning.
How to make a pumpkin bird feeder
To make the feeder, you need a firm pumpkin, bird food such as mealworms, peanuts or sunflower seeds, and some twine or string.
It is important not to throw just any leftovers outside for birds, as certain foods like bread are harmful to wild birds. Bread contains empty calories with no nutritional value, so birds fill up on it without getting the energy or fat they need to stay warm.
Instead, birds need foods rich in protein and fat that replicate their natural diet. Bird mixes are cheap and can be bought in the pet aisles of most supermarkets. One gardener buys bird food at Pets At Home for £2 per bag, which lasts a month, and has also bought it cheaper at Home Bargains.
Method for the feeder
First, check the pumpkin feels firm, as only fresh pumpkins should be used to keep birds healthy. If it is starting to collapse, it should be thrown away.
Cut the pumpkin in half horizontally and scoop out any seeds or flesh, keeping the half intact so it resembles a little bowl. Use a butter knife to make small drainage holes at the bottom so rainwater can escape, then make holes around the rim and thread through twine or string.
Fill the pumpkin halfway with seeds and place it in a secluded spot in the garden, such as near a shed, fence or tree. It should not be left on the ground, as hedgehogs should not eat it due to the risk of digestive issues, and it could also encourage rats.
The feeder should be checked daily and taken down once it starts to look soft or spoiled. Birds should begin visiting the garden within a few days.
