Year-round feeding for garden birds: Why it is necessary

For many garden birds, properly conducted feeding can now be vital for survival – in winter just as much as in summer.

Wild beim Wild explains how to feed birds in a species-appropriate, safe and effective manner, and why both seasons play an important role in doing so.

The most important support for wild birds remains a nature-friendly garden. Natural structures provide a lasting source of food, habitat, and shelter.

Key elements for natural bird food sources:

• Native woody plants bearing berries, nuts, and seeds
• Fruit trees on which fruit remains hanging well into autumn
• Stalks, seed heads, and herbs left standing through winter
• Dead wood, leaf piles, and brush piles as habitat for insects
• Wild corners that are not constantly mown or tidied up

Nature-friendly gardens create an ecological foundation that benefits all bird species – not only during feeding season.

Summer feeding: Why it is now more important than winter feeding

The ornithologist Peter Berthold has been pointing out for years that summer feeding has now become crucial to the survival of many bird species.

Why are food shortages occurring in summer?

• During the breeding and rearing period, birds require extremely large amounts of protein.
• Insects are scarce, particularly in intensively farmed agricultural landscapes.
• Pesticides such as neonicotinoids have massively decimated insect populations.
• Some bird species lay fewer eggs or no longer breed at all.

Berthold's research shows that targeted supplementary feeding in summer can significantly increase breeding success. For many species, it is not only helpful but has now become essential.

Winter feeding: Valuable, but only when done correctly

Winter feeding primarily supports resident birds when natural food becomes scarce due to snow, frost, or prolonged cold periods.

Important rules for winter feeding:

• Begin when snow or frost makes foraging impossible.
• Once started, continue feeding consistently through to spring.
• From March onwards, no more high-fat foods such as fat balls — young birds cannot tolerate these.
• Feed in the morning, when energy requirements are highest after the night.
• Additionally provide fresh water, as puddles are usually frozen.

Hygiene: The often underestimated key to safe bird feeding

Feeding stations must be designed so that food can neither get wet nor be contaminated with droppings. Both can lead to diseases that may threaten entire bird populations.

Keeping the feeding station safe:

• Use rainproof silos or sheltered feeding houses
• Clean feeding areas regularly with soft soap
• Ground feed for species such as blackbirds or green woodpeckers only on hygienically maintained boards
• Feeding stations must be set up to be cat-proof
• Remove wet food immediately — it spoils or freezes quickly

The right food — matched to beak type

For insect eaters

(e.g. robins, tits, blackbirds, wrens):

• Oat flakes
• Raisins
• Fruit
• Soft food mixtures
• Suet feed in winter only

For seed eaters

(e.g. sparrows, finches, buntings):

• Sunflower seeds
• Hemp
• Nuts
• Oil seed mixtures

A mixture of both food types covers the needs of many species and ensures a species-rich bird life in the garden.

In times of insect decline, pesticides and habitat loss, responsible bird feeding is an important contribution to species and nature conservation.

In concrete terms, this means:

• Summer feeding: crucial for breeding and rearing
• Winter feeding: important, but only when done properly
• Wildlife-friendly garden: the foundation for sustainable bird protection
• Hygiene: indispensable for preventing disease
• Species-appropriate food: ensures healthy, strong bird populations

Those who follow these points can make a real difference in their own garden while also enjoying the fascinating activity of our wild birds on a daily basis.