As freezing temperatures sweep across the UK this January, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging gardeners to provide extra food for their feathered visitors—particularly roast potatoes. With severe weather warnings for cold, ice, and snow in effect nationwide, the charity emphasizes the importance of supporting garden birds during this challenging time.
Winter’s shorter daylight hours and dwindling natural food sources mean birds must expend more energy to stay warm. The RSPB explains, “When it’s really cold, birds need more energy to stay warm. But in winter there’s less daylight to find food and many of their usual sources run low.”
To help, the RSPB recommends offering a variety of foods that garden birds enjoy. Safe and nutritious options include mild grated cheese, bruised fruit, cooked rice, unsalted bits of hard fat, dry porridge oats, and notably, roast potatoes. However, it is crucial that the roast potatoes are free from meat juices or cooking fat, which can be harmful to birds by damaging their feathers and impairing their waterproofing.
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In addition to kitchen scraps, energy-rich seeds such as mixed seed, sunflower seeds, nyjer seed, and peanuts are excellent choices. To protect bird health, the RSPB advises avoiding foods contaminated by cooking fats and meat juices.
Maintaining clean feeding stations is also essential. The RSPB recommends washing feeders weekly with a gentle detergent solution, using gloves, and disposing of any leftover or moldy food to reduce the risk of disease.
Along with providing food, ensuring access to fresh water is vital. As temperatures fall, birdbaths should be kept ice-free and regularly refreshed to support birds’ drinking and bathing needs.
By following these guidelines, gardeners can make a significant difference in helping garden birds survive the cold winter months.