Each winter, our garden birds struggle with the low temperatures and reduced food supply, and many of them rely for their survival on the generosity of those who fill their garden feeders each day. However, although supplying bird food through the winter helps to keep many birds alive it is necessary to keep the feeders and bird baths clean to avoid the spread of disease. Outbreaks of trichomonosis, avian pox and salmonellosis occur regularly and can decimate local bird populations. The population of Greenfinches reached dangerously low numbers a few years ago, although there are good signs of recovery now. These diseases are caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria, and they are all made worse by putting out food in dirty feeders. Cleaning them once a week, or every few weeks at least, will go a long way to reducing the problem. Wear gloves and throw away all of the old food; scrub with hot, soapy water; rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow to dry completely. Ideally an animal-safe disinfectant, or a weak solution of domestic bleach, can then be used followed by rinsing, drying and refilling. The same applies to anywhere else that birds congregate, including bird tables and bird baths.
Shrubs that produce red berries provide a considerable amount of winter food for many species of birds. Many of our native berry-bearing species, such as rowan, holly, spindle, dog rose, elder, hawthorn, honeysuckle and ivy will feed a wide range of birds. However, attractive garden shrubs like cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are equally good. It is always entertaining to watch our resident Blackbird plucking off cotoneaster berries, tossing them in the air, and recatching them before swallowing them down.
Everything that we can do to help our garden birds through the winter will provide a vital life-line for many species. It may be worth while reducing the amount of food or even briefly stopping your feeding occasionally if you suspect that diseased birds are coming to your garden, but your efforts are always worthwhile. The reward can be hours of watching their antics and squabbles, and if you position the feeders and food plants in appropriate places, all from the warmth and comfort of your own home.
Each winter, our garden birds struggle with the low temperatures and reduced food supply, and many of them rely for their survival on the generosity of those who fill their garden feeders each day. However, although supplying bird food through the winter helps to keep many birds alive it is necessary to keep the feeders and bird baths clean to avoid the spread of disease. Outbreaks of trichomonosis, avian pox and salmonellosis occur regularly and can decimate local bird populations. The population of Greenfinches reached dangerously low numbers a few years ago, although there are good signs of recovery now. These diseases are caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria, and they are all made worse by putting out food in dirty feeders. Cleaning them once a week, or every few weeks at least, will go a long way to reducing the problem. Wear gloves and throw away all of the old food; scrub with hot, soapy water; rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow to dry completely. Ideally an animal-safe disinfectant, or a weak solution of domestic bleach, can then be used followed by rinsing, drying and refilling. The same applies to anywhere else that birds congregate, including bird tables and bird baths.
Shrubs that produce red berries provide a considerable amount of winter food for many species of birds. Many of our native berry-bearing species, such as rowan, holly, spindle, dog rose, elder, hawthorn, honeysuckle and ivy will feed a wide range of birds. However, attractive garden shrubs like cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are equally good. It is always entertaining to watch our resident Blackbird plucking off cotoneaster berries, tossing them in the air, and recatching them before swallowing them down.
Everything that we can do to help our garden birds through the winter will provide a vital life-line for many species. It may be worth while reducing the amount of food or even briefly stopping your feeding occasionally if you suspect that diseased birds are coming to your garden, but your efforts are always worthwhile. The reward can be hours of watching their antics and squabbles, and if you position the feeders and food plants in appropriate places, all from the warmth and comfort of your own home.