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Anyone else saddened by RSPB direction, to not feed birds during Summer?

Marianne72

I sat in bed this am, mourning the lack of cheeky sparrows and raucious jackdaws at my empty bird table. Worse, this pm, as I went to feed the hedghogs, a disconsolate fat wood pigeon was roosting on top, where he usually awaits his meals. When he finally flew off, I felt as if something was lost. I know the reasoning is good, leading hopefully to healthy birds, but I still can't help feeling guilty. Will they find enough to eat, especially with fledgelings, and my having fed throughout the year for many years [in line with former RSPB advice]. I know others are feeling the same - having asked AI but it doesn't stop my feeling guilty and missing the antics of my feathered personal flock.

Parents

  • Yes, I am.

    People say that they can get enough food anyway without feeders, but I wonder if this includes cities and other urban areas.

    With the changes in farming habits and the loss of habitat for wildlife, birds have come into cities to find food which they now rely on.

    Also, gardens are being lost and paved over everywhere and around 70% of the trees have been cut down in the area where I live as people don't seem to value them as the wildlife havens they are.

    Suddenly all the food we were providing has been taken away, just when they are feeding their young.

    They have to find a huge amount of bugs and seeds to survive and feed their young too.

    UK flying insects have fallen by up to 65% in 20 years.

    I've kept my sunflower seed feeders (hanging tube feeders) up but am cleaning them more regularly by soaking in water with bird disinfectant.

    I also wipe around the feeding area (on the feeder itself) with alcohol wipes very regularly and clean underneath on the ground where some seed falls.

    However, only a fat pigeon feeds on the ground.

    Tables are where most viruses/germs can congregate.

    I'm still getting blue t*ts, great t*ts and gold finches feeding their young from these feeders.

Reply

  • Yes, I am.

    People say that they can get enough food anyway without feeders, but I wonder if this includes cities and other urban areas.

    With the changes in farming habits and the loss of habitat for wildlife, birds have come into cities to find food which they now rely on.

    Also, gardens are being lost and paved over everywhere and around 70% of the trees have been cut down in the area where I live as people don't seem to value them as the wildlife havens they are.

    Suddenly all the food we were providing has been taken away, just when they are feeding their young.

    They have to find a huge amount of bugs and seeds to survive and feed their young too.

    UK flying insects have fallen by up to 65% in 20 years.

    I've kept my sunflower seed feeders (hanging tube feeders) up but am cleaning them more regularly by soaking in water with bird disinfectant.

    I also wipe around the feeding area (on the feeder itself) with alcohol wipes very regularly and clean underneath on the ground where some seed falls.

    However, only a fat pigeon feeds on the ground.

    Tables are where most viruses/germs can congregate.

    I'm still getting blue t*ts, great t*ts and gold finches feeding their young from these feeders.

Children
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