Temperatures are falling steadily 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 the wild birds get their money’s worth, but also their observers. This makes it easy to observe birds up close. According to the Nabu nature conservation association, wild birds are typically fed in winter from November to the end of February. We explain what you should consider when feeding.
In frost and snow in particular, it becomes more difficult for wild birds to obtain food naturally. So feeding by humans at this time comes in handy. The hygiene of the feeding place should have the highest priority. In conventional birdhouses, feed and bird droppings can easily mix with each other. This can lead to illness. That’s why the Nabu recommends practical feeders. In this way you can contain the transmission and spread of pathogens and the food can be kept for longer. If you still use classic birdhouses, the Nature Conservation Union recommends cleaning them regularly with hot water and only adding a little feed every day.
Feeders must be able to withstand wind, snow and rain. Therefore, make sure that the dispenser is securely fastened and that the food cannot get soaked. Otherwise the feed could freeze over or even spoil.
Place feeders in a safe spot in the garden. This prevents cats from sneaking up unnoticed and disturbing the birds. It also makes it easier for you to spot wild birds. However, the feeding station should provide nearby cover such as bushes and trees. Then the birds feel more comfortable and have escape opportunities. However, the proximity to panes of glass should be avoided, as these can become deadly traps for the birds. If the circumstances do not allow it, simply stick stickers on dangerous panes. On balconies, the bird feeding station can be attached directly to the window pane, as the short approach paths make a collision less dangerous.
Sunflower seeds are best suited as a basic feed, as many species of birds like to eat them. This also applies to unsalted broken peanuts. Tits, finches and sparrows are classic grain feeders. Feed mixtures that also contain other seeds of different sizes are suitable for them. Tits also love mixtures of fat and seeds known as fat balls. When buying fat balls, make sure that you use fat balls without a net. Otherwise, birds could get their legs entangled in it and injure themselves.
Other birds such as robins, dunnocks, blackbirds, fieldfares or wrens prefer soft food such as raisins, fruit, oatmeal and bran. It is important to ensure that this feed does not spoil. There are special floor feeders that are particularly suitable for this.
Source: Nabo
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