1/8
In winter, many people want to help the birds. What can you do?
The warmer climate makes it possible: More and more birds prefer to stay here over the winter months and to forego the strenuous flight to more southern regions. And because winters aren’t what they used to be, they usually make ends meet.
It is therefore not absolutely necessary to feed the birds. “But of course you can,” says biologist Livio Rey (31) from the Sempach ornithological station. Also because it is a nice way to get in touch with nature and the variety of birds – especially in these times. But because cold periods with permafrost, freezing rain and solid snow cover can also prevail in mild winters, feeding them can make sense. That pleases tits, sparrows, robins and their fellow species.
That’s how important it is to protect endangered bird species
Bird protection organizations such as the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach or BirdLife Switzerland remind you that many of the endangered bird species such as red-backed shrike, whinchat, skylark or even redstart fly south and are not here in winter. “Endangered species such as kingfishers, capercaillies and rock ptarmigans are in Switzerland in winter, but they don’t come to the feeding table and instead stay in areas far away from settlements,” he explains. It is all the more important to protect a species-rich bird world to preserve diverse and undisturbed habitats.
“Basically, there is nothing wrong with feeding in moderation,” says Rey. But you have to be aware that only birds that have become accustomed to people and civilization are fed with it. But what do the birds like best? And what should you avoid when feeding?
The most important tips for correct feeding
- Pay attention to what? A possible transmission of infectious diseases is dangerous for the birds. One of the most dangerous is the deadly intestinal infection salmonellosis. Therefore, contamination of the faeces at the feeding place should be avoided as far as possible. For example, through narrow cribs at the bird feeder.
The risk of an intestinal infection can also be reduced to a large extent by regularly removing soiled faeces with hot water. If there are several dead birds in the immediate vicinity of the bird feeder, the bird feeder should be removed immediately and cleaned very thoroughly. Do not resume feeding until three weeks later and in a new location, as certain pathogens can survive on the ground for longer periods.
By the way: You should stop feeding by March at the latest, when spring arrives, so that the birds don’t get used to it. - when to feed Feeding them can help them survive in permafrost, freezing rain and a solid snow cover. The need for food is greatest in the morning because the animals are hungry after a long night. It is ideal to fill up the feed in the afternoon so that the birds can prepare for the night again in the evening.
- how to feed The feed must neither get wet nor be allowed to freeze. It should also not simply be scattered on the floor. That’s why little houses with weather-protected food storage, food bags or fat balls are ideal. A house with a feed silo is ideal; it ensures that the birds do not stand in the feed and defecate the food.
Because the birds are skittish despite their hungry bellies, the feeding station should be near trees or bushes; in case of danger these provide a place of refuge. The immediate vicinity of the feeding place should be manageable within a radius of around two to five meters – so that voracious cats cannot ambush the birds.
Although it is not forbidden, feeding them on balconies is not particularly sensible either: window glass can become a deadly trap, and sometimes the house facade is also soiled – especially if pigeons are attracted. - what to feed The feed should be produced in a natural way and be of impeccable quality. Mixtures that consist entirely or mostly of sunflower seeds and hemp seeds are good. This primarily addresses grain eaters – finches, sparrows, buntings.
Soft-eaters and insectivores (such as blackbirds, robins and starlings) flock to the feeder for oatmeal, raisins, poppy seeds, bran and ripe fruit, chopped nuts and fat. - What to avoid? Salted or otherwise processed food is not suitable. Feed ingredients consisting of palm oil, coconut fat and peanuts should also be avoided. Leftovers or bread are generally unsuitable because they contain spices and salt.
Why is it better to make your own feed?
Bird seed is easy to make yourself. This not only lowers costs, but also reduces the risk of feed containing allergenic ragweed seeds (which is the case with many ready-made mixes).
Easy bird seed recipe
Heat 300 g fat (alternatively beef tallow or clarified butter) in a saucepan on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the soft (not boiling!) fat and stir in about 300 g of mixed grains (sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chopped nuts). For soft feed eaters such as blackbirds, thrushes and robins, oat flakes, wheat bran and raisins are suitable instead of sunflower seeds.
If you don’t have a birdhouse, you can use a flower pot. Or with a coconut shell half: To do this, poke two holes in the eyes of the coconut, pour off the milk and saw the nut in half. Scoop out the pulp, insert twigs through the opening and secure with wire so they don’t slip out. Now pour the prepared grain-fat mixture into the half of the nut, let it cool down and hang it up outside.
That’s how important it is to be considerate of wildlife in winter
Because of the corona pandemic, the sponsoring association “Nature & Leisure” expects in winter sportst with a boom off-piste. Especially in a snowy winter, this could have far-reaching consequences for wild animals.
As soon as the first snow has fallen, chamois not only need enough food to survive the winter, but also enough rest (archive).
KEYSTONE/URS FLUEELER
Because of the corona pandemic, the sponsoring association “Nature & Leisure” expects in winter sportst with a boom off-piste. Especially in a snowy winter, this could have far-reaching consequences for wild animals.
External Content
Would you like to see this supplementary content (Tweet, Instagram, etc.)? If you agree that cookies are set and data is thereby transmitted to external providers, you can allow all cookies and display external content directly.