What to feed garden birds over Christmas.
04/08/2006 00:00:00
What to give the birds over Christmas
- Christmas cake and mince pies will be particularly beneficial, as the dried fruit and fat inside and the outer pastry make them high energy snacks. Crumb them up and scatter them on your bird table or ground feeding tray which makes it easier for the birds to find and for uneaten items to be cleared away.
- Finger foods such as unsalted nuts and other savoury snacks will also be good for the birds as they are rich in energy. Crushed or grated they will be easier to eat and will be particularly appreciated by house sparrows, greenfinches, tits, robins and starlings, as well as many others.
- Elaborate cheeseboards are a festive favourite to finish off a meal and consider leftover cheese scraps for your birds. Mild, grated cheese offers a high-fat, high-energy snack, and will stand the birds in good stead during the cold snap.
- All types of cooked potatoes are good too. Roast potatoes in particular are high in fat and energy. Cut the potatoes into bite-size chunks and birds such as blackbirds and thrushes will feed on them.
- Water is a bird’s favourite tipple so make sure a shallow dish of water is always available. Dehydration is as dangerous to birds at this time of year as starvation. If water becomes frozen don’t be tempted to add anything – simple warm water to thaw it out is effective and harmless to birds.
What not to give to the birds
- Avoid cooked meats as they could attract vermin to your garden.
- Salted snacks are also not recommended, as most garden birds cannot process salt and will die if given too much. Avoid foods such as salted peanuts, crisps, salty bacon and chips.
- Stuffing that accompanies your turkey is not good for birds, as it contains some artificial ingredients that can dehydrate them. Bread is similar in that it is not calorie dense, and whilst it will not cause any harm, there is little to be gained from it for the birds. Energy rich foods are better.
The RSPB wants people to consider the wildlife in their gardens when disposing of leftover Christmas dinner this year.
There are lots of leftovers that would be suitable for birds and other creatures, and provide energy and strength during the winter weather in addition to regular bird food.
Gemma Rogers, RSPB Media Officer says: ‘We all make far too much food at this time of year to make sure everyone has a full and hearty Christmas dinner but rather than throw your leftovers away consider which foods could be put out in your garden as a tasty treat for the birds.
‘It is not a case of ‘chucking everything out,’ as some things are not suitable, but why not let the birds have a treat this Christmas too? Many festive favourites offer nourishment and energy supplies to our garden birds, and at this time of year they need all the help they can get.’
And feeding birds is not just for Christmas - consistent feeding is important and such treats should only supplement their normal calorie-rich diet.
The RSPB recommends putting out a moderate amount of these scraps that can be eaten within one day. This will avoid the food being left and going rotten. It is also important that all foods are crumbed down or cut up so the birds can swallow them easily.
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