The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidance telling UK households to stop feeding seeds and peanuts to garden birds from May 1 until October 31. The bird charity introduced the rules on Friday, May 1, and they will remain in effect until the end of October.
Why the RSPB is asking people to stop feeding birds
The RSPB has cautioned gardeners, bird fans and amateur ornithologists to halt feeding birds seeds or peanuts during this period. The organisation is worried that providing seeds and peanuts to birds during the spring and summer, despite good intentions, is actually contributing to the transmission of diseases.
It reports that birds have experienced a "worrying decline" in British gardens, partly due to an illness called trichomonosis. The "highly contagious" disease can transmit where birds congregate in substantial numbers, including at bird feeding stations.
Greenfinch populations plummet by 65%
The charity highlighted evidence showing that greenfinch populations have plummeted by 65% since 1979. It is urging people throughout the UK to refrain from putting out seeds or peanuts for birds — however, modest quantities of suet, fatballs or mealworms are acceptable, the charity emphasised.
The RSPB stated: "Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders."
"Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades - and you may have seen this decline yourself. Back when the Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 Greenfinches were at number seven in the top 10 birds seen. This year they were down to number 18."
Seasonal and safe feeding guidance
The organisation further stated: "The latest RSPB guidance is to feed birds seasonally and safely to avoid the spread of disease. You can do this by cleaning and moving feeders weekly, changing the water in water baths daily and avoiding the use of flat-surfaced feeders such as bird tables. It's also recommended you pause the provision of seeds and peanuts between May 1 and October 31."
"Stopping the spread of disease is a challenge we can't tackle alone. By taking these simple steps to feed seasonally and safely, we can all help protect the future of our birds."
Last year, the RSPB banned the sale of flat bird feeders pending further investigation after concerns they could be spreading the disease.
