Gardeners urged to put common kitchen food out for birds in spring

Gardeners are encouraged to feed birds all year year, but feeding in winter and spring is particularly important. Regular sources of food can become more scarce for birds in winter, with live insects, worms and fruit being harder to access, so they rely on gardeners to help give them sustenance. During this cold period birds need foods that are rich in protein and energy and the same is true in spring , as this marks the beginning of the nesting season.

Birds need a lot of energy so they can build nests, lay eggs and feed their young, and they need to build up their fat stores to help stay warm during the chilly spring nights. Food like mealworms, sunflower seeds, berries and peanut granules are all good options to offer birds at this time of the year, but you can also make use of a common food you likely already have knocking around in your kitchen. Bird food experts say potatoes are a great option to offer birds in spring, alongside seeds, as it provides them with an extra boost of energy that they need to raise their chicks.



Many common garden birds enjoy eating potatoes, including robins, blackbirds, starlings and hedge sparrows, but it's important that the potatoes are cooked before you offer them. Experts suggest putting out boiled or mashed potatoes, or opened baked potatoes, on bird tables or on the ground. Bird food specialist Peckamix explains: “Potatoes should be cooked before offering them to your garden birds.

Roasted, mashed and baked potatoes will all be eaten from the bird table or ground. “Baked potatoes should be opened up to allow the birds to get inside to the fluffy part of the potato. Potatoes are great if they have been cooked in real fat.

Most birds will refuse chips.” It’s recommended that you don’t offer bird potatoes that contain high levels of salt and raw potatoes or potato peelings should always be avoided, along with chips and crisps. Bird Spot adds: “Never feed birds raw potatoes or potato peelings.

These contain an enzyme inhibitor called protease, which interferes with the breakdown of food, preventing birds from absorbing vital nutrients. “Raw potatoes are also rich in starch, which can become lodged in a bird’s crop. Over time, this starch may ferment, potentially leading to fatal complications.

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