The temperatures are steadily falling and outside the autumn leaves are giving way to bare trees. Wild birds find less food in nature in winter and are therefore happy to receive support. Not only do the wild birds get their money’s worth, but also their observers. This makes it easy to observe birds up close. According to the Nature Conservation Association Nabu, wild birds are typically fed in the winter from November to the end of February. We explain to you what you should consider when feeding.
Especially in frost and snow, it becomes more difficult for wild birds to get food naturally. So feeding by humans is a good idea at this time. The hygiene of the feeding area should have the highest priority. In traditional birdhouses, food and bird droppings can easily mix together. This can lead to illness. That’s why Nabu recommends practical food dispensers. In this way, you can limit the transmission and spread of pathogens and the food lasts longer. If you still use classic birdhouses, the Nature Conservation Association recommends cleaning them regularly with hot water and adding only a little food every day.
Feeders must be able to withstand wind, snow and rain. Therefore, make sure that the dispenser is securely attached and that the food cannot get soaked. Otherwise the food could freeze or even spoil.
Place feeders in a safe location in the garden. This prevents cats from sneaking up unnoticed and disturbing the birds. This also makes it easier for you to observe the wild birds. However, the feeding station should provide nearby cover such as bushes and trees. Then the birds feel more comfortable and have opportunities to escape. However, proximity to glass panes should be avoided as these can become deadly traps for the birds. If the conditions do not allow it, simply put stickers on dangerous windows. On balconies, the bird feeding station can be attached directly to the window pane, as short approach distances make a collision less dangerous.
Sunflower seeds are best suited as basic food as many species of birds like to eat them. This also applies to unsalted peanuts. Tits, finches and sparrows are classic grain feeders. Food mixtures that also contain other seeds of different sizes are suitable for them. Tits also love mixtures of fat and seeds known as suet balls. When purchasing suet balls, make sure you use suet balls without a net. Otherwise, birds could get their legs entangled and injured.
Other birds such as robins, dunnocks, blackbirds, fieldfares or wrens prefer soft foods such as raisins, fruit, oatmeal and bran. It is important to ensure that this food does not spoil. There are special floor feeders that are particularly suitable for this.
Source: Nabu
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