Conservation biologist explains why feeders aren't good for birds
As the weather warms up and gardens start to bloom, many Britons will be welcoming more birds into their gardens as they nest and care for their offspring. However, garden birds in the UK have seen a massive decline in recent years.
In fact, garden birds have been put on the RSPB’s Red List which includes starlings, swifts and song thrushes.
Shockingly, birds make up a quarter of wild animals caught by domestic cats, according to a survey by the Mammal Society. This equates to around 27 million birds each year.
Britons can’t do much to stop cats from entering their gardens but they can provide a safer environment for birds so they can comfortably access food sources without being attacked by cats.
Lucy Taylor, the manager of Vine House Farm, has shared her advice on what to do and what not to do to protect birds in the garden.
What to do to protect birds from cats
1. Position feeders off the ground
Some birds like chaffinches, bramblings and house sparrows will feed off the ground but if there are cats in the area, they could easily become prey.
Instead, choose a feeding cage or a table that’s off the ground to encourage local birds to eat safely.
2. Provide cover for the feeder
Birds prefer natural cover like bushes and shrubs when they approach food sources.
Putting feeders close to natural coverage like bushes will help protect them from cats.
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However, cats can also use this cover to pounce on birds when they’re feeding.
Ensure the feeder is a minimum of five feet away from the cover so the birds can use it but cats won’t be able to hide.
3. Stop cats from climbing
Cats are incredible climbers; whether it’s a fence, a feeder or a shed roof, they can climb quickly and sneak up on birds.
Ensuring cats remain near the ground will help protect bird species in the garden.
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Lucy recommended: “Use can use taut wire a couple of inches above the top of your fence to prevent cats from balancing on them and a squirrel baffle or upturned pot beneath your feeder to keep cats from reaching the birds at the top.”
4. Create natural feeding sources
Bushes and shrubs like holly or pyracanthas not only provide natural food sources but are unpleasant for cats due to their spikes.
This will keep the birds fed while protecting them from any sneaky felines.
5. Strong smells
Lucy said: “Cats can be deterred by strong scents like lavender and citrus oils so you can plant these plants or use sprays to ward off cats from your garden.”
What not to do
Petroleum jelly
Some experts suggest using petroleum jelly on metal poles to prevent cats from climbing up the feeder.
However, Lucy said this is challenging for birds as they struggle to remove it from their feathers.
Rely on bell collars
Bell collars are not fully reliable for preventing bird deaths and, while studies have shown cats with bell collars bring back 41 percent fewer birds, these other steps will also improve those chances.
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