The RSPB has recently produced new advice on feeding birds in response to a disease that can be spread when birds congregate, for example around bird feeders: “Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders. Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades – and you may have seen this decline yourself. Back when the Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 Greenfinches were at number seven in the top ten birds seen. This year they were down to number 18.” (The RSPB Magazine Spring/Summer 2026).

We’ve been putting up bird feeders at home and on the allotment for several years but we’re now going to make the necessary changes as advised. Beccy Speight, RSPB’s Chief Executive says, “We know that many people – myself included – take great joy in feeding garden birds. It helps us feel connected to nature, and for many species, the extra food can be a real lifeline, especially during the harsh winter months. But evidence now also shows that for some species, including finches, feeding can unintentionally do harm.” (Beccy Speight, Making a change for our garden birds. The RSPB Magazine Spring/Summer 2026)
RSPB now advises feeding seasonally, as there is a higher risk of trichomonosis spreading during the warmer months, when adult birds are potentially taking infected food from bird feeders to their young: “From the beginning of May until the end of October, we recommend you pause feeding peanuts and seeds…If you want to keep feeding birds during May to October we suggest you only put out small amounts of mealworms or suet. It is natural for many birds, such as Blue Tits, to switch from eating seeds to invertebrates during spring and summer. They have evolved to eat what normally be available to them each season. Soft food such as caterpillars, spiders and worms are also safer to feed to their chicks as they are less likely than nuts and seeds to get lodged in their throats.” (The RSPB Magazine Spring/Summer 2026).

The RSPB recommend the following advice for the use of bird feeders:

• Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. Good hygiene is essential. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.
• Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.
• Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings.
Don’t use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there’s a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect.
• Feed in moderation. Make sure all the food you put out is eaten within one to two days. Adjust the amount you offer based on demand to avoid overfeeding.
• Keep food as dry as possible. Damp food allows disease to survive and spread. Choose feeders that prevent rain getting in and limit condensation.
• Change water in bird baths daily. Only offer water if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. A pond is the best way to provide birds and other wildlife with water.
• Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds. (New RSPB Bird Feeding Advice RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk)

Jenny Bourne
21.04.26