Gardeners in Wales are being advised to take an innovative approach to feeding their feathered friends this spring. The suggestion is to add some hot sauce or tabasco to bird feeders to deter squirrels from raiding the food meant for the birds. This move comes as bird populations peak in March and April when they are actively seeking partners for nesting. While some British birds like robins stick around in the winter, many species like starlings, sparrows, finches, tits, and blackbirds flock to gardens during spring.
The increased bird activity coincides with a significant decline in insect populations of up to 60% over the past two decades. This drop in insect numbers means less natural food for birds, putting them at risk of starving. To help address this, gardeners are encouraged to provide a variety of food for birds, including bird food mixes, mealworms, sultanas, raisins, oats, sunflower seeds, and nuts. However, the challenge lies in keeping pesky squirrels away from the feeders, as they can disrupt the feeding patterns of birds.
Grey squirrels, known for their aggressive behavior and impact on native red squirrel populations, pose a threat to birds by consuming their eggs, damaging trees, and stealing bird food. In response to this issue, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) suggests using spicy deterrents like Tabasco or chilli powder flakes on the food to deter squirrels while not bothering the birds. The RSPB also recommends offering fruits like apples and pears, scraps like pastry and rice, and breadcrumbs in moderation to attract specific bird species like thrushes and blackbirds.
By incorporating spicy elements into bird feeders, gardeners can create a bird-friendly environment while keeping unwanted visitors like squirrels at bay. The spicy deterrents are designed to deter squirrels due to their sensitive palate to hot flavours, ensuring that the food meant for birds remains untouched by these furry intruders. This proactive approach not only benefits the birds by providing much-needed food during the breeding season but also adds an element of fun and creativity to the act of feeding garden birds.
As the gardening community in Wales embarks on this unique feeding strategy, it is essential to monitor the effectiveness of the spicy deterrents and adjust accordingly. By working together to support bird populations and protect them from potential threats like squirrels, gardeners can contribute to the conservation and well-being of wildlife in their local environment. This initiative serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of species in the ecosystem and the role that individuals can play in fostering a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and human activities.