Feeding Garden Birds During the Autumn

Pets

Feeding Garden Birds During the Autumn

It is that beautiful time of year again, when everything in nature looks stunning. The leaves have turned shades of orange and brown and some of our birds start migrating south to warmer climates. For the birds that do stick around, it is important to feed them the correct foods to get them ready for the colder months ahead. For the birds that are migrating, such as the fieldfare and redwing, they will need to stock up on plenty of energy for their trip.

Why should you feed birds in the autumn?

It isn’t just during the cold winter months that we need to be thinking about the birds in our gardens. For many birds Autumn is a time when getting enough to eat is very important. Migrating birds need a lot of calories to fly the thousands of miles that they do. There may be birds that pass by your area that are migrating and need a high energy food source to help them gather more calories during their trip. Some birds may even return to your garden in the Spring as they will see it as a reliable food source. You never know, you may even end up attracting new species into your garden by replenishing food stocks.

What should we be feeding our feathery friends?

• Provide appropriate seeds and grains (like Nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds). • Only feed peanuts if they’re unsalted, fresh and

sold for human consumption or by a reputable feed shop. • Why not try cooked pasta or rice, boiled potatoes, cheese, uncooked and unsalted bacon rind, raisins and sultanas. • Net-free fat or suet balls attract a wide range of species and provide a great boost of calories. • Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food. • Insects such as mealworms or waxworms. It is best to place feeders up high, above the height at which a cat can reach. Avoid leaving food on the ground, as any small mammals and birds eating it will become vulnerable to cats. Keep water bowls full of clean water. Check them regularly especially during frosty or snowy periods. Once you start putting food out for the birds, try to keep it up. Try to keep regularly topping up the feeders. The birds you are feeding will get used to visiting your garden and may struggle to find alternative sources of food should you suddenly stop. Scrub your feeders regularly in hot soapy water and give them a good rinse. Clear away any accumulations of droppings or spilled seeds. Keep feeders free of wet or mouldy foods.

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If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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