Monty Don issues ‘don’t warning to gardeners feeding birds | UK | News
Many Brits enjoy the simple joy of feeding the birds that frequent their gardens. But famous English Gardener Monty Don has issued a warning advising gardening enthusiasts to stay away from four specific foods that are unsuitable for our furry friends.
One Blog post written for November 2024BBC Gardeners’ World expert revealed that this list surprisingly includes certain types of hazelnuts. While walnuts, peanuts and others are generally safe, salted ones are strictly prohibited.
He said: “Pastries, bread and rice are always quick to eat, and fruit is particularly good for blackbirds and robins. Grated cheese is popular, as are cooked (but not raw) potatoes. Avoid salty things such as crisps, salted peanuts or bacon. I also buy dried mealworms, which robins, tits and wrens gobble up greedily.”
Monty did not delve into the reasons behind his recommendation against salty foods. RSPB explains that they can cause dehydration in birds. Additionally, low-quality peanuts can harbor the aflatoxin fungus, which is lethal to birds if consumed, so it is crucial to purchase from a reliable supplier.
figures Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shows more than 140 species of birds have been identified in English gardens, but only 30 are regular visitors. The gardening charity’s experts also stress that each species has its own preferences, so understanding their favorite snacks can help you make your garden more attractive.
Experts at RHS “Use different foods and recipes to entice different bird species” explain online.“While fat is important, especially during the winter months, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
“No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the addition of hulled sunflower hearts means there’s less waste and debris at the bottom of the feeder. Lower-quality mixes are often filled with lentils and wheat.”
While there are many choices to consider, experts highlight the following key points:
- Wrens and small birds prefer chopped animal fat and grated cheese
- Finches prefer fruitcakes
- Goldfinches prefer Niger seeds
- Starlings prefer peanut cakes
- Tits prefer bug cakes
- Blackbirds and robins prefer overripe apples, raisins and other fruits
- Nuthatches, sparrows and finches prefer sunflower heads
- Mealworms and seed mixes are also preferred snacks for many bird species.
If you want to prevent pigeons and other large birds from gobbling up all the food, Monty also suggested using an old log as a bird feeding table of sorts. By scattering seeds on it, small birds can reach and remove each piece from small gaps that others cannot reach.
For those dealing with squirrels, it is recommended to use ‘pest proof’ feeders and position them away from overhanging branches and other easy access points. According to the Express, Jean Vernon Richard Jackson Gardenhe previously advised: “Squirrels are quite fond of many things in our gardens, especially bird food, but they will also dig up and eat tulip bulbs.
“They love apples, squash and sweet corn and collect piles of acorns, horse chestnuts and nuts. Why not feed the squirrels a special feeder filled with nuts, then you get the best of both worlds, you can watch the birds and squirrels too.”
Meanwhile, experts at the RHS add: “A good bird population in the garden is part of a healthy garden ecosystem and helps keep in check caterpillars and aphids that can damage garden plants.”
Avoid feeding birds these foods
In his November 2024 blog, Monty warned bird lovers to stay away from certain foods. While not an exhaustive list, it should provide a good idea of what is best for our garden guests.
- raw potatoes
- Chips
- salted peanuts
- Bacon
For more information you can visit: Monty’s blog is here.
