The guidance from the RSPB is not to stop feeding garden birds but to feed the birds seasonally and safely.

Feed Seasonally

Feeding birds seasonally reflects the natural availability of food throughout the year.

Summer & Autumn (May to October)

During these months, natural food sources are abundant, so supplementary feeding (like seeds and peanuts) is less necessary..

In fact, it’s often best to pause feeding altogether.  Research shows that the risk of disease transmission is higher at this time particularly illnesses such as trichomonosis. This disease can spread directly between birds (for example, when adults feed their young) or indirectly through shared feeders or contaminated water

Winter & Spring (November to April)

As natural food becomes scarce, feeding birds can make a real difference. Offering a variety of foods during these months is encouraged, just be sure to follow safe feeding practices.

Feed Safely

Feeding birds safely is essential to reducing the risk of disease.

Here are some simple but effective steps:

• Follow good hygiene practices and ensure feeders and water baths are clean to prevent disease transmission (wash them once a week with warm soapy water but make sure they are fully dry before refilling)
• Move feeders around the garden and avoid feeders with flat surfaces to help prevent the build-up of debris which can harbour bacteria
• Avoid putting feeders where birds roost to help reduce the risk of contaminations from faeces
• Feed in moderation i.e. only put out enough food to last one to two days to prevent large quantities of food sitting in feeders where it can become mouldy or harbour bacteria
• Keep food as dry as possible as damp food will become mouldy quickly and harbour bacteria (so think about the types of feeder you use, try to use ones that limit water ingress or condensation)

This updated guidance is based on a detailed evidence review by the RSPB’s conservation scientists, weighing the benefits and risks of feeding birds in our gardens.

Species like the Greenfinch which, when the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 were at number seven in the top ten birds seen but are now down to number 18.  A trend mirrored in the Isle of Man, where Greenfinches were the fourth most common garden bird on the Island in 2000 but by 2020 had dropped to the 19^th most common bird.

We realise that this is an emotive subject for many people who enjoy seeing the birds feed in their gardens (we include ourselves in that) but feeding is just one way to support wildlife. Creating a nature-friendly garden can have a huge impact for the birds in our gardens..

Plant for wildlife

Choose plants like ivy, sunflowers, and teasel. These provide:

• Nectar for pollinators
• Berries for birds such as thrushes and robins
• Shelter and habitat for a wide range of wildlife

Embrace a “messier” garden

Leaving parts of your garden a little untidy can be incredibly beneficial:

• Delay cutting back plants in autumn
• Leave fallen leaves and twigs for a while
• Avoid over-tidying—nature thrives in a bit of wildness

Provide nesting spaces

Installing nesting boxes in sheltered spots, away from predators, offers birds a safe place to raise their young—and is a great way to encourage regular visitors.

By making small, thoughtful changes, we can all play a part in keeping our garden birds healthy and thriving throughout the year.

As a science-based organisation, Manx BirdLife welcomes guidance that is grounded in strong research and this is exactly that.

Many of our small birds are struggling at the moment and action needs to be taken so we support the release of this updated advice and encourage our supporters to read it and consider how they can apply it in their own gardens.

We will be adding updated guidance to our website in the next few days.

By making small, thoughtful changes, we can all play a part in keeping our garden birds healthy and thriving throughout the year.

For more information on the guidance from the RSPB you can visit their website at RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity

For more information on Garden Birds on the Isle of Man visit Garden Birdwatch – Manx BirdLife