RSPB demands action as winter starves birds and wildlife

In the United Kingdom, December marks a critical time for wildlife, particularly birds, as they struggle to find food during the harsh winter months. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging gardeners to take action by providing sustenance for birds, whose populations have been dwindling due to a significant drop in insect numbers and overall habitat destruction. Over the past twenty years, the decline in insects has reached alarming proportions, dropping by up to 80 percent, steering the entire food chain out of balance. With natural food sources becoming increasingly scarce, many birds are at heightened risk of starvation during the colder months. To help combat this issue, RSPB has released guidelines for feeding birds in gardens. They recommend a diverse mixture of bird food, including peanuts, seeds, and live options like mealworms. Additionally, household leftovers such as cooked rice, breadcrumbs, and bruised fruit, like apples and pears, can serve as occasional treats for birds. However, a major concern remains: the competition for food from other garden creatures, most notably squirrels and foxes, undermines the effectiveness of these food offerings. As a solution, the RSPB suggests an unconventional yet effective trick: sprinkle chilli powder over the food. Birds are not affected by the heat of chilli, allowing them to enjoy these feeds without discomfort, whereas squirrels tend to avoid the food due to the burning sensation. This method not only ensures that birds have better access to the food but also preserves supplies for them while deterring competitors. The RSPB emphasizes the importance of taking these measures, as the continual decline in bird species poses a significant threat to biodiversity in gardens and ecosystems. By encouraging individuals to leave out bird food during winter, they maintain a safer feeding environment for birds along with fostering interest in wildlife protection among gardeners. This initiative aligns with a broader environmental effort to enhance bird habitat and support wildlife in the face of climate change. With many gardeners noticing fewer bird sightings and overall population drops, this call to action represents a vital step towards reversing the trend of declining bird numbers in the UK.