Hello,

The RSPB has recently issued new advice on bird feeders that seems counterintuitive but is extremely important for the wellbeing of the birds which grace our gardens.

The problem is a disease called trichomonosis which is highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders. Research has shown it’s already caused a sharp decline in some species of garden birds. However, there is good news. We can help reduce the spread of disease by making two simple changes to the way we feed our birds:

  1. Feed seasonally
  2. Feed safely

The first one means taking our bird feeders out of the garden between 1st May and 31st October. The second means being more rigorous about cleaning feeders, the ground around them, and bird baths. The things we need to do are summarised on the RSPB website – https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/how-to-help-garden-birds.

All of us love seeing the birds who come to our gardens to feed but for their wellbeing, we need to follow the RSPB’s advice.