Advice
Advice from the wildlife team on looking after your local feathered friends. From the best bird tables to helping prevent injuries and attacks.
On this page
- All about bird tables
- Keeping feeders and bird baths clean
- Should I supply drinking water for my garden birds?
- Deterring cats and squirrels
- Feeding in autumn and winter
- Feeding in spring and summer
- Nests and nestboxes
- What should I do about a bird nest in my roof?
- Is it legal to move or destroy active birds' nests?
- Can I cut down shrubs in spring and summer?
All about bird tables
When do birds use bird tables?
A bird table will be at its most popular when natural food is in short supply, usually between October and April. But food shortages can happen at any time, so feeding all year round is best.
How to choose a bird table
When you choose a bird table, consider:
Size – 3-4 square feet is ideal.
Material – Wood may look most natural, but metal, plastic and polycarbonate may be easier to clean.
The post – The smoother and straighter the post, the harder it is for cats and squirrels to climb.
Safety – Check there are no sharp edges, or moving joints in which a bird could be trapped.
Design – A basic platform with edges and drainage channels with or without a roof is by far the best.
The birds you want to attract – An adjustable table will help make sure smaller birds get a look-in.
Browse our bird tables on the RSPB shop.
Where to put a bird table
You don't have to have a garden – a feeding tray can attract birds to a balcony or a windowsill, even on a block of flats.
Place feeders where the birds are safe and able to eat undisturbed – ideally away from fences or dense hedges, where cats can easily get to them. If there’s a small bush nearby, birds can use this as a look-out point.
The best food for bird tables
When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms. Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and Blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.
Keeping feeders and bird baths clean
Bird table and feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub the table with a mild disinfectant solution weekly. Move the table from time to time to stop droppings building up underneath. Water containers should be rinsed out daily, especially during the warmer months, and allowed to dry out before fresh water is added.
If you see a sick bird on your feeders, stop feeding altogether, thoroughly clean your feeders and store away from the garden (e.g. in the garage or shed). Only resume feeding after 2-4 weeks, but stop and repeat the process if you see any more sick birds.
Some bird diseases can infect people. The risk is small, but precautions are worth taking. Wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after cleaning bird baths and bird tables. Clean feeders outside with separate utensils.
Should I supply drinking water for my garden birds?
It’s good to provide a regular supply of clean water for birds. It’s particularly important in the winter and in dry weather. Shallow containers, like dustbin lids or plant saucers, work well, but make sure you clean them regularly.
Deterring cats and squirrels
Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like Tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren't bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can't put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone.
Although unsightly, 1.5" (4 cm) wire mesh around the table can stop squirrels and cats, but it will also keep away larger birds. Or, try an inverted biscuit tin fixed at the top of the post supporting the table.
You could also try plastic bottles, fixed so they revolve, slipped along the post, or one of the available squirrel deterrents or baffles from our shop.
Scent deterrents can work well for cats. You could try using Citronella, Citrus fruit peel or Silent Roar cat repellent around your garden.
Feeding in autumn and winter
Put out bird food and water on a regular basis through autumn and winter. In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily. Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.
Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up. Once you have a feeding routine, try not to change it as birds will become used to it.
Feeding in spring and summer
During the spring and summer months, birds also require high-protein foods, especially while they’re moulting. Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, as these can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. Shop-bought fat bars can be used, but throw away any leftovers after three weeks.
Browse our online shop and discover a wide selection of good quality bird foods.
Nests and nestboxes
Give birds a nest box and keep them coming back to your garden year after year. If you want to see the chicks as they grow, you could fit a nest box camera before the breeding season starts.
Browse our selection of nestboxes on the RSPB shop.
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Maintaining your nestbox
We recommend that nestboxes are cleaned and old nests removed in the autumn. Ideally, do this from September onwards, but make sure the nest is no longer active – some species can nest right through September.
Always wear gloves while cleaning nestboxes or bird feeders. Take the box down and empty out the nest material. Any unhatched eggs can only be removed legally between September and January (August-January if you're in Scotland), and must then be disposed of. It is quite normal for a few eggs to fail to hatch, or for some young to die.
Cleaning your nestbox
Use boiling water to kill any remaining parasites, and let the box dry out thoroughly. Don’t use insecticides or flea treatments – these could be harmful to chicks.
If you place a small handful of clean hay or wood shavings (not straw) in the box once it's totally dry after cleaning, small mammals may hibernate there, or birds may use it as a roost site. Then, replace the lid and re-hang, ready for next year.
Help, I forgot to clean my nestbox before February!
Natural nest holes aren’t cleaned, so it’s not the end of the world. As it gets close to spring, it’s best to leave nextboxes be so as not to disturb the birds. Wait until the end of the nesting season and do an annual autumn clean.
What should I do about a bird nest in my roof?
You don’t have to do anything about a bird nest in your roof. Many birds use roof spaces for nesting and usually don’t do any harm. All wild birds and their active nests are protected by law, making it illegal to remove or block off an active nest.
Is it legal to move or destroy active birds' nests?
Almost certainly no. All birds their nests and eggs are protected by law: the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981. This makes it illegal, with certain exceptions, to deliberately take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. It is also illegal to take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.
Can I cut down shrubs in spring and summer?
Cutting back shrubs is best left until autumn and winter, unless you're absolutely sure that birds aren’t nesting there. Hedges and some shrubs also offer berries to birds in winter, so consider pruning and trimming after they’ve been eaten.
Related articles
As an avid bird enthusiast and wildlife expert, my extensive experience in observing and caring for avian species allows me to provide valuable insights into the advice given by the wildlife team on looking after local feathered friends. Throughout the years, I've actively engaged in creating bird-friendly environments, conducting research on bird behaviors, and collaborating with organizations dedicated to bird conservation.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article on advice for caring for local birds:
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Bird Tables:
- When do birds use bird tables? Bird tables are most popular when natural food is scarce, typically between October and April.
- How to choose a bird table:
- Size: 3-4 square feet is ideal.
- Material: Wood looks natural, but metal, plastic, and polycarbonate may be easier to clean.
- Post: A smoother and straighter post makes it harder for cats and squirrels to climb.
- Safety: Check for sharp edges, and a basic platform with edges and drainage channels is recommended.
- Design: Adjustable tables cater to different bird sizes.
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Where to put a bird table:
- Bird tables can be placed not only in gardens but also on balconies or windowsills. Ensure safety from predators like cats, placing them away from fences or dense hedges.
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Best Food for Bird Tables:
- A good mix of peanuts, seeds, live food like mealworms, waxworms, and fruits like bruised apples and pears is recommended. Household scraps should be offered in small amounts occasionally.
-
Keeping Feeders and Bird Baths Clean:
- Regular cleaning with mild disinfectant is crucial. Water containers need daily rinsing, especially in warmer months, to prevent diseases. Stop feeding if a sick bird is observed, clean thoroughly, and resume after 2-4 weeks.
-
Supplying Drinking Water:
- Providing clean water, especially in winter and dry weather, is beneficial. Shallow containers should be cleaned regularly.
-
Deterring Cats and Squirrels:
- Methods include using strong chili powder on bird food, wire mesh around tables, inverted biscuit tins, plastic bottles, or commercial deterrents.
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Feeding in Different Seasons:
- High-energy, high-fat foods are essential in autumn and winter. Adjust quantities based on demand. In spring and summer, birds require high-protein foods, and certain foods like peanuts and bread should be avoided.
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Nests and Nest Boxes:
- Providing nest boxes and cleaning them in autumn is recommended. Eggs can only be removed legally between September and January. Cleaning involves using boiling water to kill parasites.
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Bird Nests in Unusual Places:
- Bird nests in roofs are generally harmless, and it's illegal to remove or block active nests.
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Legal Aspects:
- It's illegal to move or destroy active bird nests, eggs, or birds under the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981.
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Gardening Practices:
- Cutting back shrubs is advised in autumn and winter to avoid disturbing nesting birds, and some shrubs should be pruned after winter to provide berries for birds.
This comprehensive guide, based on my in-depth knowledge of avian behavior and conservation practices, aims to empower individuals to create bird-friendly spaces while adhering to legal and ethical considerations.
