The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is calling on UK households with bird tables in their gardens to take action to support bird survival during winter, especially with the current snowfall across the country.
As winter conditions intensify with snow and plummeting temperatures, birds are facing significant challenges to endure the harsh weather. Today, January 6, the Met Office has issued multiple snow and ice warnings covering Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and most of England.
Conservation groups like the RSPB and RSPCA emphasize the detrimental impact of cold spells on garden birds, with populations potentially decreasing by over 50% during severe winters. Prolonged cold weather without sufficient food can severely impact smaller bird species.
To assist garden birds during challenging weather, the RSPB has shared guidance through a recent Facebook post, highlighting the importance of providing extra food during cold snaps. This initiative also aims to attract birds to gardens in preparation for the Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January.
In an effort to protect garden birds, the RSPB advises against using flat bird tables during cold weather due to the increased risk of disease transmission from damp food on these surfaces. In early 2025, the RSPB discontinued the sale of flat bird tables as a precautionary measure, recognizing their role in spreading diseases harmful to songbirds.
Flat surfaces, particularly wooden bird tables, can harbor rotting food, wet seed shells, and bird droppings, creating an environment conducive to the growth of Salmonella, which is prevalent at feeders in winter and spring. Additionally, bird tables can facilitate the spread of diseases by bringing different bird species into close contact, potentially transmitting infections like Trichomonosis, leading to a decline in bird populations.
The RSPB recommends using hanging feeders with suet, peanuts, and seeds during winter, emphasizing the importance of regularly cleaning and moving feeders to prevent disease transmission. Providing natural food sources like sunflowers and teasel, creating leaf piles, and planting bushes such as hawthorn, holly, and ivy can also support birds during the colder months.
By following these guidelines, households can contribute to the well-being and survival of garden birds during winter.