Spring is a magical time for gardens across the UK not just for plants, but for our feathered friends too. As the months of April and May usher in warmer weather and blooming flowers, they also signal a crucial period for birds. Species like sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins, and other beloved British birds are busy nesting and raising their young. It’s a time of high energy and big demands and we can play a small, yet meaningful role in helping them.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to support these birds during their breeding season is by offering apples and pears. Yes, those common fruits in your kitchen could be a lifeline for the birds fluttering around your garden.
For just 50p each, you can pick up green or red apples and conference pears from supermarkets such as Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s. Simply slice them and place them on your bird table or directly onto the grass. Bruised or slightly overripe fruits are ideal, Blackbirds and Thrushes, in particular, love them. Just be sure to avoid anything mouldy or salty, and skip dried vine fruits like raisins if you have dogs, as they can be toxic to them.
While apples and pears are a great start, the RSPB also recommends offering a wider variety of food to attract and nourish different species. Seeds, grains, suet, and insects are all excellent additions to a bird-friendly garden buffet. The key is to cater to various feeding habits. For example, ground feeders like blackbirds, dunnocks, sparrows, and collared doves are unlikely to use hanging feeders. Instead, they prefer foraging from open spaces on the ground or bird tables.
If you’re placing food on the lawn, be mindful of safety. Avoid scattering it too close to bushes, fences, or other spots where cats might be lurking. Birds won’t feed if they feel threatened. Choose a wide, open space where they can spot danger from a distance.
Supporting our garden birds doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few pieces of fruit, a handful of seeds, and a little awareness can go a long way. Not only does it help birds survive and thrive during nesting season, but it also brings more song and life into our gardens.
So next time you’re at the shops, pop a couple of apples or pears into your basket and consider it a small gift to the birds who bring so much joy to our lives each spring.
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