Gardeners warned over bird feeders and how to protect birds in the garden
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Your garden birds who haven't migrated need your help more than ever to get through the winter weather. If you're a gardener, it's time to get those bird feeders topped up and ready for the cold weather. When temperatures plummet, wild birds have to work extra hard to survive. They burn through huge amounts of energy just to stay warm overnight, and that means every calorie counts.
So, if you want to help your feathered friends weather the chill, it's essential to make sure they have access to high-energy food that will keep them going through the dark, cold nights. Top up feeders. If you’re serious about supporting birds in your garden this winter, you need to stock up on the right foods. Fat-rich options like peanuts, suet, and sunflower hearts are perfect for providing the energy birds need to stay warm. These foods are packed with fats and oils that help them maintain their body temperature during frosty nights.
Don’t forget to offer a variety of treats too. Mealworms, high-quality seed mixes, and even some grated cheese or dried fruit can be a big hit with birds. The more variety you offer, the more species you'll attract to your garden – from the ever-popular blue tits and robins to the elusive woodpecker or a visiting finch.
Clean your feeders often. Keeping your bird feeders topped up is important, but so is keeping them clean. Dirty feeders can harbour bacteria, mould, and parasites, which can make birds seriously ill. Make sure you give your feeders a regular scrub with hot, soapy water to keep them in tip-top condition. A clean feeder means healthier birds, so don’t skip this step.
