Seeing birds in your garden brings joy, and it's natural to want to attract them with delightful treats. However, wildlife expert Iolo Williams warns that some commonly offered foods can do more harm than good.
As spring beckons us outdoors, the Welsh expert encourages us to rethink what we offer our feathered friends, promoting both their well-being and biodiversity in our gardens.
Partnering with a garden retailer, Iolo emphasizes making small adjustments in our outdoor spaces that collectively create a welcoming environment for wildlife. As bird enthusiasts, we're eager to absorb his insights on feeding birds throughout the seasons.
Foods to Avoid for Wild Birds
One of Iolo's most crucial tips is to avoid feeding birds bread, which offers little nutrition and can fill them up unnecessarily. 'It's simply not good for them,' he states.
Additionally, milk can be harmful and may 'lead to diarrhea and illness' in birds. Instead, providing fresh water is vital, as it serves both hydration and cleaning needs for birds and other wildlife.
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What Birds Should Eat
Iolo recommends offering a range of high-energy foods like fat balls, peanuts, mixed seeds, and sunflower hearts to sustain birds.
Water is crucial, too. A small pond is ideal, but even a bowl or an inverted bin lid works well. Water also benefits mammals like hedgehogs, Iolo adds.
Everything provided should contribute to a balanced diet for our avian visitors.
What Scraps Can Be Fed to Birds?
Avoid raw vegetables, as birds struggle to digest many kitchen scraps. However, peas, sweetcorn, cooked potato, and certain fruits like apples and pears are safe options, as birds often snack on naturally fallen fruits.
While raw meat isn't suitable, birds can eat meat fat and enjoy cheese.
Be sure to place bird food out of reach of cats, dogs, and rats.
Are Raisins Safe for Birds?
Yes, birds can eat raisins, sultanas, and currants, but soaking them in dry spells is wise. Just a reminder for pet owners: some dried fruits can harm dogs and cats, so always check before offering them.
Can Birds Eat Porridge Oats?
Birds can have dry porridge oats, but avoid cooked ones as they may stick to their beaks. Other dry cereals are fine as well, but like bread, they shouldn't be the primary choice since they offer minimal nutrition.
Attracting Birds to Your Garden
After underscoring what to avoid, Iolo pointed out another common mistake that might impact bird health: cutting ivy from trees. Contrary to belief, ivy supports trees and serves as a vital habitat for various birds, insects, and mammals year-round. Birds such as wood pigeons and blackbirds benefit from ivy berries.
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With insights from experts, we look forward to nurturing our gardens as safe havens for these beautiful birds this spring and summer.
