Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this August for a crucial cause. It may seem strange, but chilli powder is the ideal tool if you’re leaving food out for famished birds, so it doesn’t get snatched by other animals, particularly as summer kicks off and birds are still struggling to find sustenance.
Birds continue to grapple with finding food, with populations in the U.K. under threat as food availability continues to dwindle. The drastic decrease in insect numbers, down by as much as 60% in the U.K. over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change, is believed to be causing ripple effects throughout the food chain.
Birds have significantly less to eat, putting them at risk of starvation, especially during the spring and summer months when they need to nest and feed their offspring. That’s why gardeners are being urged to do their part for birds and leave bird food out.
According to bird feed company Peckish, although August is a slower month for garden birds, gardeners should still leave out food, especially water, which can be scarce in August.
It states: “August is well known as a quiet month for garden birds. Many birds are done with breeding for the year and the abundance of wild food in the form of seeds, fruits, and insects means our garden feeders are in less demand. Common birds, such as Robin and Blackbirds, will also begin to moult at this time of year. Moulting allows birds to get rid of the worn feathers from a busy breeding season and prepare for migration and the cooler months ahead. Like us, they prefer to change their outfits in a private and safe space, so they slink about in the undergrowth as their ability to fly is reduced.”, reports the Express.
“Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won’t need to be topped up as often and provide insects for birds to eat.”
DON’T MISS
However, one issue with putting out bird food is that other creatures, like gray squirrels, will attempt to pilfer it.
That’s where the chili powder becomes useful. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something on which you place bird food for the birds (and if you don’t have one, consider purchasing one), then you can put out a mixture of chopped peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apples for birds to consume, soaked in water so birds have essential water to drink as well.
Damaged apples and pears prove irresistible to feathered visitors, while kitchen leftovers such as pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs can also be utilized, though the RSPB cautions against overusing these items.
However, dust everything with a generous sprinkle of chili powder or chili flakes, including the water, and the birds will enjoy exclusive access to their feast. This works because our feathered friends remain completely unaffected by the fiery taste of chili, while squirrels and foxes absolutely despise it.
This ensures all the nourishment and hydration stay reserved for the famished and parched birds.
The RSPB advises: “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.
“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.
“Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like Tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren’t bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can’t put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone.”
The Express tested this method and discovered it genuinely delivers results.