The RSPB says it’s just as important to feed garden birds in autumn and winter as it is in summer – and there are two fruits you can leave out to help them
Alex Evans Deputy Audience Editor
12:44, 05 Oct 2025
The RSPB advises gardeners to offer diverse food varieties(Image: vandervelden via Getty Images)
Whilst summer may have drawn to a close, providing sustenance for avian visitors such as starlings, blackbirds, robins and numerous other beloved British species isn’t merely a warm-weather pursuit.
Wildlife specialists emphasise that nourishing garden birds throughout autumn and winter proves equally vital as during the summer period. This stems partly from natural food sources becoming increasingly sparse during chillier periods, and partly because numerous species remain rather than migrating southward, requiring energy-rich sustenance to endure the harsh winter landscape.
The RSPB advises gardeners to offer diverse food varieties suited to different bird species across seasonal changes, encompassing everything from sunflower seeds through to raw oats, suet and mealworms. Additional horticultural authorities reinforce the significance of autumn and winter bird feeding practices.
Avian food supplier CJ Wildlife explains: “As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to drop, birds begin preparing for the winter ahead. Autumn is a crucial time for them to build up fat reserves, molt into their winter plumage, and find reliable food sources before natural supplies become scarce.
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“By offering the right autumn bird food, you can support birds during this transitional period.”, reports the Express.
“Providing high-energy foods in autumn helps resident birds prepare for winter and assists migratory birds on their long journeys. With the right food choices, you can attract a variety of species to your garden while contributing to the survival of wild birds during the colder months.”
If you’re seeking a simple and cost-effective method to assist our feathered friends, consider leaving out two types of fruit – apples and pears. Slice them up and scatter them across your lawn or place them on a bird table or feeder.
The RSPB advises: “You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog, don’t put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds.” Birds have varying feeding habits and preferences – some opt for “ground feed” rather than visiting a bird table.
The RSPB explains: “Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it’s best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground.” This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which similarly favour ground feeding, although their diet typically consists of seeds.
Peckish Bird Food suggests that in addition to fruit, peanuts can be left out during October, which are beneficial for certain birds that aren’t migrating. They state: “Many of our summer migrants will have gone or be on their way out, but by the end of September, our winter migrants will start to arrive back. The first redwings, fieldfares and bramblings will be seen, particularly along the east coast. Numbers will become more noticeable by October but if we see strong north-easterly winds, more may be pushed through earlier.
“While some birds are preparing to migrate, more sedentary species are getting ready in different ways. Coal tits and jays create stores of food, mainly nuts and seeds, for the cold months ahead. This is when jays are easiest to observe as they can make constant journeys between sources of acorns and a preferred site for hiding them. In lean years with few acorns on the trees, they will often turn their attention to garden peanuts instead.”
If you’re considering leaving food out, ensure it’s placed in an open area, well away from hedges or potential feline hiding spots. Birds won’t feed in areas where they feel threatened by predators such as cats, or if they could be at risk near cat lurking places.
Should you opt for a bird table, it’s crucial to maintain cleanliness by regularly washing it with hot, soapy water, particularly if it’s flat. This comes after the RSPB temporarily halted sales of flat, open bird tables while they investigate whether these types of feeders could be aiding the spread of disease.
The RSPB further emphasised: “Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly.”
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