As autumn progresses, many wildlife enthusiasts across the UK will notice a strange quietness descending upon their gardens.
These charming birds need our help in the colder months(Image: Gary Mayes via Getty Images)
During autumn, countless wildlife enthusiasts throughout America observe a strange quietness settling over their gardens.
The morning birdsong becomes subdued and our feathered friends appear to have disappeared almost entirely. If you’ve been wondering “where have all the birds gone?”, you’re certainly not the only one. While some species will have migrated south, the seasonal shift means that many recognizable birds are simply more difficult to observe.
However, those that stay can still use your assistance, especially regarding food, according to the Express. The RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) advises we should continue providing bird food and water “on a regular basis” throughout autumn and winter.
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And there’s one particular food it recommends: “Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.” High-energy and high-fat foods include the following, which birds adore:
SuetPeanutsSunflower seedsMealworms
Robin singing(Image: Getty)
“Mealworms are essential for robins; they absolutely love them,” notes Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival. “But I think if you went with sunflower hearts and mealworms… robins would really like those,” reports the Mirror.
There are several considerations to keep in mind when feeding birds in your garden, particularly regarding cleanliness and disease prevention.
“Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up,” advises the RSPB. It’s essential to regularly clean out old feed and monitor for signs of sickness.
Frequent cleaning
If you own a bird bath, frequent cleaning is necessary. After the breeding season, adult birds can often feel quite worn out.
Their feathers, which are vital for flight and insulation, may be damaged and frayed. To prepare for the winter challenges ahead, birds undergo a complete feather transformation.
This process requires a lot of energy, making our avian friends more susceptible and less likely to spend time in open spaces.
“Moulting is a physically demanding time for birds,” the RSPB explains. “They need to conserve energy, so they become much quieter and spend more time hidden amongst vegetation, making them less conspicuous.”
(Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)
During the spring and summer months, birds are highly visible at feeders because natural food sources can be scarce, and they require a steady supply of energy to feed their offspring.
However, when fall arrives, there’s an abundance of natural food. Berries are ready to be eaten, plants are full of seeds, and insects are still abundant.
With this natural feast available, birds spend less time at feeders. They scatter into hedgerows, forests, and garden shrubs, where they can search for a varied diet.
Moreover, young birds born in the spring are now becoming independent. They’re no longer dependent on their parents and are beginning to explore new territories. This “dispersal” could mean they move away from their birthplace, resulting in fewer familiar faces in your garden.
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Even though your garden may seem quieter, the birds are still there, just being more careful. You can help them during this difficult period by:
Supplying water: Providing fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing is essential.Maintaining wild areas: Resist the temptation to have a perfectly neat garden. Piles of leaves, seed heads, and untouched shrubs offer crucial shelter and food sources.Providing high-energy foods: Keep supplying quality bird seed, suet and fat balls, as these offer vital energy for moulting and winter preparation, particularly when natural food supplies start to decrease later in autumn.
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