Manx BirdLife 'reviewing guidance' around bird feeders

RSPB encourages 'seasonal feeding' amidst spreading disease

The Manx Birdlife charity says it's reviewing the updated guidance from the RSPCB regarding when and how people should feed garden birds.

The latest advice from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds encourages people to feed them both seasonally and safely, in order to help reduce the spread of disease.

A disease known as trichomonosis has had a significant impact on species such as European greenfinch in recent years although avian flu is also a consideration.

The RSPB says, with that in mind, people should take a break from putting food out in the warmer months between May and October.

Manx BirdLife says: "Seasonal feeding means avoiding the use of seed and peanut feeders during the summer and autumn months (May to October), when the risk of disease transmission is at its highest. During this period, natural food sources are at their most abundant, so the benefits of supplementary feeding are limited.

"During winter and spring months (November to April), when natural food is scarcer and the risk of disease spread is lower, people are encouraged to provide a variety of foods for garden birds.

"However, it remains essential that feeding is carried out safely. This includes maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning feeders and avoiding the build-up of uneaten food, which can become mouldy and harbour harmful bacteria. This is something that we have been advising people to do for some time."

The conservation charity has told Manx Radio it is currently reviewing the updated guidance but as it is grounded in robust, peer-reviewed scientific evidence, it's likely to support these recommendations and will be encouraging its supporters to read and consider following the advice.