People feeding birds like robins could cause serious harm, experts have said (Image: Getty)
Bird enthusiasts are flocking to parks with the noble goal of helping our feathered friends during the lean winter months, yet a leading bird feed specialist warns that misguided feeding choices could potentially harm birds or even incur fines. Year-round, an estimated half of UK homes provide sustenance for garden birds, collectively offering 50-60 thousand tonnes of bird food each year.
Now, Richard Green, a wildlife expert at , is shedding light on common but harmful foods often fed to birds and the associated penalties one might face. He highlighted a £100 penalty for ‘anti-social behaviour,’ noting, “Feeding birds is a popular activity, but in certain situations, local authorities may impose a £100 fine under the Community Protection Notice (CPN) scheme if bird feeding leads to excessive bird gatherings that disrupt the local area.”
Additionally, careless feeding resulting in litter could attract a £150 penalty, as per Mr Green’s advice: “Although feeding birds is generally harmless, food scraps left behind can be classified as litter, leading to fines. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, individuals who leave food waste in public areas could face a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £150 for littering.”
He particularly advises against feeding birds bread.
Mr Green warned: “People usually feed bread to birds as it’s something many have on hand as leftovers, and the idea of providing extra food to help birds during the winter months is appealing. While bread may seem harmless, it lacks the necessary nutrients needed for survival and overtime can lead to malnutrition and conditions like ‘angel wing’, which affects their ability to fly.”
Salted nuts
He further cautioned about salted nuts: “While feeding birds may seem like an act of kindness, especially during the colder months where food is scarce, it’s important to be careful of what you feed them. Certain foods, like salted nuts, are harmful because birds can’t metabolise salt, and even small amounts can damage their nervous system.”
Cheese
On the topic of dairy, he advised: “Although many birds love dairy like cheese, they aren’t designed to digest lactose, especially soft cheeses as it leads to upset stomachs and discomfort. Go for fermented options like hard cheeses, which makes it easier for birds to handle.”
Chocolate
He also issued a stern warning against chocolate: “Chocolate, especially dark or bitter varieties, are highly toxic to birds. Even small amounts can lead to severe health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and hyperactivity.”
Oatmeal
Feeding our feathered friends the right food is crucial, and it turns out that oatmeal is a safe bet – as long as it’s uncooked. “Cooked oatmeal, while often a common leftover to give birds, can cause problems for them from its sticky texture, which can clog their beaks and make it difficult for them to feed properly.”
Fruit
When it comes to fruit, caution is key: “While many fruits are safe for birds to eat, it’s important to remove the seeds, pips, and pits before offering them as certain seeds, such as those found in apples and pears can be toxic to birds. Pitted fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums should also have their stones removed.”
The experts agree that the best choice for bird feeding is “High quality food designed for birds is always a better option, as these products are carefully designed to meet birds’ nutritional needs and helps prevent pests or fines for nuisance feeding.”
Other bird friendly leftover options
- Seedless berries, raisins, grapes, and mashed bananas
- Brown and white rice are suitable for birds, though pigeons and doves may prefer uncooked rice
- Birds can eat roasted or mashed potatoes, but avoid processed forms like chips or crisps
- Uncooked oats are safe, but cooked oats can harden and may cause problems for birds