Due to the increased risk of disease in the summer months, the RSPB has issued a warning against feeding birds seeds and peanuts between May and October.
This Big Garden Birdwatch held by RSPB Every January, a nationwide survey that allows charities to measure how the UK’s birds are doing year-on-year. This information allows Wildlife Experts advise how to do it Attracts birdsProper build Wildlife Gardens And help our feathered friends wherever needed.
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The Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 Results
This year, more than 650,000 people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, also the world’s latest garden wildlife survey, and a total of more than nine million birds were counted.
While the survey recorded house sparrows and blue tit as the most recorded species, it is the decline of greenfinches that worries scientists. As a result of the 67% decline in greenfinch numbers, the species is now on the UK Red List.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Andrew_Howe)
A major cause of decline is disease, particularly trichomonosis, a fatal finch disease transmitted by feeders. last year, The RSPB stopped selling flat feeder tables To prevent the spread of this disease.
This year, with the help of other scientists, the RSPB has reviewed how we feed garden birds and suggested a few seasonal changes.
From 1 May to 31 October, the RSPB recommends not feeding peanuts or seeds to garden birds as trichomoniasis spreads during summer and autumn. Instead, they advise you to offer small amounts Mealworms (£5.99 on Amazon)fat balls (£13.99 for RSPB Fat Ball continued Amazon) or suet (£6.50 on Amazon) throughout the year.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Nitrob)
Along with this, it is also very important Clean your bird feeder Weekly, and if possible, move it to a different location to prevent the build-up of contaminated food underneath. The RSPB also confirmed that their research shows that the disease spreads on flat feeds, so choose that A hanging feeder (such as this £13.49 option from Amazon) Instead
Bessie Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, said ‘Bird feeding is something millions of us love and value, but science shows us that birds such as greenfinches are affected by disease spreading at feeders.’
‘We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects the long-term health of the birds. By making small changes together, we can ensure that food in the garden continues to be a positive force for nature.’
RSPB
Fat balls for wild birds
The RSPB produces these fat balls for garden birds. They are made from high-quality ingredients to encourage birds year-round.
Birdfood Warehouse
Birdfood Warehouse Fruit & Berry Premium Suite Block 10 Pack
Always choose high quality suet products to ensure the birds are getting the best nutrition possible.
Pat ting
Premium Dried Mealworms, 2.5 Liters
The RSPB recommends that mealworms are also a great source of energy.
While feeding garden birds is a fun experience as gardeners, we must also be responsible. Avoid feeding birds seeds and peanuts this year and pick them instead A plant that feeds birds Which can help them sustain themselves. In this way, we can hope to see an improvement in the finch population.
