When the period of sustained frosts begins, it is difficult for birds to find food. This also applies to inhabitants of forests and steppes, so they often fly closer to cities in winter. Not only is it easier to find food here, but people can also give them something tasty to eat. The rules of the "bird diet" are simple, but failure to follow them can harm birds.
This was explained by Mykola Veselsky, an ornithologist and researcher at Polissia National University, to the media outlet Suspilne.
The most frequent visitors to urban feeders are titmice, sparrows, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and jays. To choose the right food, you need to follow the rules:
"The seeds must be dry, not bitter, and not moist. Everything must be in its natural form. The most accessible food is sunflower seeds. Birds also eagerly eat pumpkin, watermelon, and squash seeds, as well as various nuts. They also like lard. Unsalted pieces are very nutritious and support birds in winter," said the scientist.
Feeding waterfowl
Due to climate change, urban reservoirs often freeze for a short time or do not freeze at all. That is why swans and wild ducks, which used to migrate, remain in Ukrainian cities.
The natural diet of such birds is aquatic vegetation. However, if a deep freeze occurs and ice blocks access to their usual food, it will be hard for them to survive without human assistance. The main requirement is that the food should contain no preservatives. Among safe options are seeds, crushed grain, grated carrots or cabbage.
Strict prohibitions
Feeding birds bakery products can turn out to be fatal, or at best, cause digestive disorders. Therefore, bread, regardless of the type of flour it is made from, as well as buns and cookies, should not be given to birds.
They should also not consume salt, spices, or fried foods. That is why anything people wish to feed birds should be free from heat treatment and flavor additives.
