It’s a great thing to do at any time of year. But if you’re very selflessly still leaving food out for the birds in November as temperatures plunge, you need to be aware of a key mistake you could be making that could actually make things worse for hungry birds.
While leaving food out to help winter birds like robins and blackbirds is a noble and worthy thing to do, garden experts have warned that bird feeders and bird tables ‘can quickly become a hazard’ if you get things wrong in the cold, wet weather.
Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, says households must check their bird feeders and tables for ‘warning signs’ when the weather is wet as it has been this week and will be throughout much of the winter.
He told the Express: “Why wet food is dangerous: once damp, within 24 to 48 hours, seed can harbour moulds, bacteria and parasites that spread illness among birds sharing the same feeding space.
“When seed clumps together, changes colour or smells musty, that’s a clear sign of spoilage. Any black, green or white fuzz on the food means it should be discarded immediately.
“Even condensation inside a feeder can create the right conditions for mould growth, so drying feeders fully before refilling them is a must.
“Once bird seed has become wet, it should always be removed and disposed of, never dried out and reused, as it can carry mould spores and bacteria that remain active even after drying.
“Birds will sometimes eat damp seed naturally, but feeders concentrate the risk. Cleanliness is what makes garden feeding safe.”
It’s also important to get the placement right for your feeder. Mr Green adds that some feeders and tables are not designed to withstand much wet weather, so putting them somewhere in the garden which offers them natural protection from the elements is general a good idea.
He added: “Not all feeders are suited to wet weather. Designs with roofs, rain guards or mesh sides help food stay dry and allow water to drain away.
“Feeders that come apart easily for cleaning save time and help prevent disease build-up. Avoid large or decorative feeders where food can sit uneaten for days.
“Positioning your feeder under tree branches, eaves, or sheltered areas can help protect both the food and the birds from driving rain.”
For those who are still helping the birds and can do so safely, he urges people to opt for ‘high energy’ foods such as sunflower hearts and mealworms.
He added: “Birds need more energy in wet weather as they burn calories trying to stay warm and dry. Offering high-energy foods such as suet, sunflower hearts, and mealworms can make a real difference to their survival.”
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