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Anyone Who Feeds Birds in Garden Issued Urgent New RSPB Advice — 'Pause'
The charity says feeders can become disease hotspots and cites a 65% drop in greenfinches over three decades.
- On Friday, the RSPB issued new guidance urging bird lovers to pause filling feeders with seeds or peanuts between May 1 and October 31. This seasonal shift aims to curb disease transmission, as feeders "can become hotspots for disease."
- Greenfinches have experienced serious declines, dropping over 65% in the last 30 years due to trichomonosis, a highly contagious disease. These birds fell from number seven to number 18 in annual Big Garden Birdwatch counts since 1979.
- Cleaning feeders weekly and moving them prevents contaminated debris buildup, the RSPB advises. Avoid flat surfaces like trays, as "damp food allows disease to survive and spread," the charity stated.
- During summer and autumn, natural food sources for birds are abundant. The RSPB noted this period is "also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects."
- More than 650,000 people took part in the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch in January, demonstrating widespread public engagement in bird conservation. This annual study tracks garden bird populations across Britain and informs ongoing protection efforts.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
Nottingham Post+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Anyone who feeds birds in garden issued urgent new RSPB advice — 'pause'
This is a big change from previous advice you might have heard.
·Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 16%
C 63%
R 21%
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