An expect has shared how best to help birds in your garden in July
Households across the UK are being told to leave two common fruits on their lawns or bird tables this summer. It is now one of the most significant periods of the year for birds in our gardens, with sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and many other British favourites feeding their newly hatched young during the summer months.
To help birds through the peak summer season, gardeners are being encouraged to leave two fruits out on lawns, as well as on bird tables, alongside fresh water.
According to the RSPB, gardeners should put out a variety of foods for different birds at different times of year, though seeds are no longer recommended during summer, and flat bird tables should be avoided. You can, however, continue to leave out suet and mealworms as well as fresh fruit.
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Other garden experts also highlight just how vital summer bird feeding is. According to CJ Wildlife, birds require greater energy in summer to help nourish their young, and it is no longer the case that people should only put food out in winter or spring, reports the Express.
The experts said: “Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months. However, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors.
“Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally.
“Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods.”
However, if you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to support birds, you can leave out two types of fruit — apples and pears, sliced up and placed on the lawn, a bird table or feeder.
The RSPB says: “You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog, don’t put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds.”
Different birds feed in different spots — some prefer to “ground feed” rather than visit a hanging bird feeder.
The RSPB says: “Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it’s best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground.”
The same applies to sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which also favour ground feeding, though they tend to eat seeds.
If placing food on the ground, however, ensure it is positioned in an open area, well away from hedges or anywhere a cat could lurk. Birds will not feed in spots where they feel exposed to predators such as cats, or where they might be put at risk by having to feed close to potential hiding places.
If you do utilise a bird table, make certain to clean it regularly with hot, soapy water if it has a flat surface. This is because the RSPB recently withdrew flat, open bird tables from sale while it examines whether these types of feeders might be contributing to the transmission of disease.
The RSPB added: “Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly.”

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