Two fruits you should leave out in garden to attract birds during breeding season
As we head towards the height of the British spring, the RSPB has advised gardeners to leave out two fruits for birds
At this time of year your garden should be bustling with all sorts of birds - as sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and many other British favourites enter breeding and nesting season.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued advice to Brits on how to help our feathered friends during their breeding and nesting season. Gardeners are urged to leave out two specific fruits - apples and pears - during March, April and May.
According to the RSPB, a variety of different foods should be left out for different birds at different times of year, including sunflower seeds, uncooked oats, suet and mealworms.
However, if you're looking for a quick and inexpensive way to assist birds, simply slice up some apples and pears and leave them out on your lawn or bird table, reports the Express.
The RSPB says: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
"Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds."
It's also important to note that different birds feed in different locations - some prefer to 'ground feed' instead of coming to a bird table.
The RSPB says: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground."
This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which also prefer ground feeding, though they usually eat seeds.
When placing food on the ground, opt for a wide, open area, far from hedges and potential cat hiding spots. Birds tend to avoid feeding in locations where they're vulnerable to predators like cats.
If using a bird table, particularly a flat one, ensure it's regularly cleaned with hot soapy water. This is crucial as the RSPB has temporarily withdrawn flat, open bird tables from sale while investigating their potential role in disease transmission.
The RSPB also advises: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly."
Gardeners should avoid putting out all salted foods - which dehydrates birds. Cooked food should not be placed out as it can attract rats. Loose peanuts should not be put out, i nstead it should be placed inside of a feederso that small chunks can be pecked at. Poor quality peanuts can carry the aflatoxin fungus, which kills birds if they eat it. Make sure you buy peanuts that are guaranteed aflatoxin-free from a reputable supplier.
The RSPB also advises against putting out dry, hard foods or bread during the spring or summer months. Parent birds might take these back to their nests and their young can choke on it.
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