I've always advocated responsible bird feeding, based on my own lifetime observations of generations of birds in my own gardens. I outline my personal practices for safe bird feeding, emphasising hygiene, appropriate feeders, and food. I personally prefer to replicate natural feeding behaviours, as I believe this has the best interests of the birds at heart.
As a lifelong nature enthusiast, I've dedicated myself to helping wildlife thrive, while fostering human-nature coexistence. Since childhood I’ve witnessed a catastrophic decline in our wild bird, insect, and mammal populations due to loss of habitat and industrialisation of the countryside. At the same time, I’ve witnessed people become ever more disconnected from nature, at great loss to both.
Therefore, my commitment to responsible bird feeding stems from a lifetime understanding of the delicate balance needed to support wildlife, while protecting their health.
I've championed essential practices including:
- Testing food for efficacy and aflatoxin contamination
- Eliminating harmful packaging like nets for peanuts and fat balls
- Promoting easy-clean feeders
- Avoiding the use of wooden bird feeders and tables
- Implementing thorough hygiene practices to prevent diseases like trichomonosis and salmonella
The importance of domestic gardens for birds and other wildlife should not be underestimated. For example, hedgehogs are virtually extinct in the countryside and now rely heavily on urban areas and gardens in particular to survive.
I have long advocated replicating natural feeding patterns by distributing multiple small feeders around gardens, to create feeding opportunities for timid birds as well as avoiding concentrated feeding areas where disease can spread. These efforts aim to ensure our support for nature remains both safe and effective.
I constantly challenge the bird care manufacturers to improve designs prioritising bird (and all wildlife) welfare over price, and have contributed to many major improvements within the market over the decades.
