RSPB Feed the Birds Day is an annual celebration observed on the weekend of the last Sunday in October. This day provides an opportunity to assist garden birds as they face the challenges of the approaching colder months. Recognizing the hardships birds endure during winter, the day is dedicated to ensuring their well-being and survival, recognizing their crucial role in various habitats and ecosystems.

Both the RSPB and the British Trust for Ornithology recommend the year-round feeding of birds, with a focus on providing food during dawn and dusk, critical times for ensuring a stable food supply. Moreover, the RSPB conducts an annual Big Garden Birdwatch, the largest garden-based citizen science project in the UK. In 2023, this event spanned from January 27 to 29, inviting individuals to participate by spending an hour observing birds in their gardens, local woodlands, or parks.

Purpose of RSPB Feed the Birds Day

The main goal of Feed the Birds Day is to encourage individuals, families, and communities to set up feeding stations, bird tables, or bird feeders to help support wild birds during autumn and winter. During these months, birds face increased challenges in finding food, with fewer insects, seeds, and berries available in their natural habitats.

By providing supplementary food, people can make a huge difference in the survival of birds, especially during freezing conditions. The event also promotes the practice of feeding birds year-round, as it can benefit both garden birds and migratory species passing through the UK.

History of Feed the Birds Day

The event has its roots in the RSPB's long-standing mission to protect birds and other wildlife in the UK. Founded in 1889, the RSPB has been involved in conservation efforts for over a century, promoting the protection of bird species and their habitats.

Feed the Birds Day was introduced as part of a broader campaign to inspire the public to take action for local wildlife. While its focus is on providing food for birds during the colder months, the day also serves to educate people about how to create bird-friendly environments in their gardens and outdoor spaces, such as by planting native plants, offering shelter, and providing water sources.

Why Feeding Birds is Important

During autumn and winter, natural food sources such as berries, seeds, and insects become harder for birds to find. As the temperature drops and daylight hours decrease, birds expend more energy searching for food and trying to stay warm. Feed the Birds Day highlights the importance of ensuring that birds have access to the nourishment they need to survive the winter months.

• Energy Demand: Cold weather increases the energy demands of birds, especially small species, which have higher metabolisms and lose heat more quickly.
• Habitat Loss: Urbanization and changes in land use have reduced the availability of natural food sources for many bird species. Feeding birds in gardens and parks helps counteract this issue.
• Support During Migration: For migratory birds, autumn is a critical time to stock up on energy before making long journeys. Supplementary feeding helps these birds build up the fat reserves they need for migration.

How to Participate in Feed the Birds Day

1. Set Up a Bird Feeder: Install bird feeders in your garden, balcony, or local green spaces. Popular options include hanging seed feeders, fat balls, and peanut feeders. Be sure to position feeders away from potential predators like cats.

2. Choose the Right Bird Food: Different bird species prefer different types of food. The RSPB recommends providing a variety of bird food to attract a diverse range of species. Some common foods include:

   • Seeds: Sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and mixed birdseed are popular with finches, sparrows, and tits.
   • Fat Balls and Suet: Fat-rich foods are especially important during winter, as they provide birds with the energy they need to stay warm. These are favorites of species like robins, blackbirds, and blue tits.
   • Peanuts: Crushed peanuts are a good source of protein for many birds, but they should be unsalted and given in feeders designed to prevent choking.
   • Fruit: Apples, pears, and other soft fruits can be placed on the ground for ground-feeding species like blackbirds and thrushes.
   • Mealworms: These are particularly attractive to robins, wrens, and other insect-eating birds.

3. Provide Fresh Water: Birds need water for drinking and bathing, even in winter. Ensure that birdbaths are kept clean and ice-free. You can use a shallow dish or birdbath to provide water, and placing stones in the water helps smaller birds perch safely.

4. Create a Bird-Friendly Garden: In addition to food, birds need shelter and nesting opportunities. Planting native trees, shrubs, and hedges can provide natural cover and nesting spots. Leaving seed heads on plants like teasels and sunflowers can offer food later into the season.

5. Monitor Your Bird Visitors: Feed the Birds Day is also an opportunity to observe and enjoy the bird species that visit your feeding stations. You can take part in birdwatching activities and keep a record of the different species that come to your garden or local park.

Benefits of Bird Feeding for People

In addition to helping birds survive the winter, feeding birds offers a range of benefits for people:

• Connection with Nature: Watching birds visit feeders and bird tables can be a rewarding experience, especially for those living in urban areas where contact with wildlife is limited. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of birds.
• Mental Well-being: Studies have shown that engaging with nature, including watching birds, can reduce stress and improve mental health. The sight and sound of birds can create a calming environment.
• Educational for Children: Feed the Birds Day is a great way to involve children in learning about nature and conservation. It can spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage a sense of responsibility for protecting wildlife.

RSPB and Bird Conservation

The RSPB plays a crucial role in bird conservation across the UK. Feed the Birds Day is just one of many initiatives aimed at protecting birds and their habitats. The organization also conducts scientific research, lobbies for conservation policies, manages nature reserves, and runs educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

How to Get Involved with the RSPB

• Join the RSPB: By becoming a member, you can support the RSPB’s conservation efforts and receive resources on how to help birds and other wildlife.
• Volunteer: The RSPB offers various volunteer opportunities, from helping at nature reserves to participating in citizen science projects like bird counts.
• Participate in Events: The RSPB organizes events throughout the year, including birdwatching walks, workshops, and family activities, many of which focus on bird conservation and education.

Conclusion

RSPB Feed the Birds Day is an important annual event that reminds people of the critical role they can play in supporting the UK's bird population, especially during the challenging winter months. By providing supplementary food, water, and shelter, individuals and communities can help ensure that birds not only survive but thrive during the colder seasons. Through this initiative, the RSPB encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect and care for wildlife, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting a more bird-friendly environment across the UK.