The RSPB says that gardeners should leave out a variety of foods for different birds at various times of year, including everything from sunflower seeds to uncooked oats, suet and mealworms
As we bid farewell to the peak season for garden birds in September, Brit bird lovers are being urged to help fledgling sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and other favourites.
As these young birds take their first flights and begin to fend for themselves ahead of the impending winter, gardeners are being encouraged to leave two types of fruit out on their lawns and bird tables.
The RSPB advises that a variety of foods should be left out for our feathered friends throughout the year, including sunflower seeds, uncooked oats, suet and mealworms. This advice is echoed by other gardening experts who emphasise the importance of summer bird feeding.
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CJ Wildlife points out that birds require more energy during the summer months to feed their young, debunking the myth that food should only be left out during the colder seasons.
The experts stated: “Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months. However, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors.
“Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally.”, reports the Express. “Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods.”
However, if you’re after a swift and budget-friendly method to assist our feathered friends, you can simply put out two types of fruit – apples and pears, chopped up and placed on the grass or on a bird table or feeder.
The RSBP states: “You can put outleftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog, don’t put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.”
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Various birds feed in different spots – some prefer to “ground feed” rather than visiting a bird table. The RSPB notes: “Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it’s best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground.” This also applies to sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which likewise favour ground feeding, though they typically consume seeds.
According to Peckish Bird Food, alongside fruits, you can also put out peanuts in September, which benefit certain birds that aren’t migrating. The report states: “Many of our summer migrants will have gone or be on their way out, but by the end of September, our winter migrants will start to arrive back.
“The first redwings, fieldfares and bramblings will be seen, particularly along the east coast. Numbers will become more noticeable by October but if we see strong north-easterly winds, more may be pushed through earlier.
“While some birds are preparing to migrate, more sedentary species are getting ready in different ways. Coal tits and jays create stores of food, mainly nuts and seeds, for the cold months ahead. This is when jays are easiest to observe as they can make constant journeys between sources of acorns and a preferred site for hiding them. In lean years with few acorns on the trees, they will often turn their attention to garden peanuts instead.”
If you’re leaving food out for the birds, ensure it’s in an open location, away from hedges and potential cat hiding spots. Birds won’t feed where they feel threatened by predators like cats, or could be exposed to risk if forced to feed near cat hiding places.
If you’re using a bird table, remember to clean it regularly with hot, soapy water if it’s flat. This comes after the RSPB recently stopped selling flat, open bird tables while it investigates whether these types of feeders could be contributing to the spread of disease. The RSPB stated: “Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly.”