BBC Winterwatch star Chris Packham issues stern warning to gardeners over simple task: ‘Spreading diseases’
BBC Winterwatch star Chris Packham and co-star Iolo Williams were keen to make their viewers aware of the dangers of feeding birds in their garden.
Tonight, Packham, Williams and Michaela Strachan presented the final instalment from the RSPB Arne in Dorset.
After finally ticking off their raptor list and looking at the way foxes use their mating calls to attract potential suiters, talk soon turned to feeding birds.
Discussing the amazing charity which helps feed birds across the nation, Williams and Packham were keen to make sure that those who signed up knew the negative impacts it could have.
Williams noted: “We like to encourage as many people as possible to take part but there are a few do’s and don’ts as well.
“The RSPB is becoming increasingly concerned that people putting out food out on flat services, that is the floor which is actually helping the spread of disease that affects some of our garden birds, especially Finches.
“They believe the food supplements get wet and mix with faeces and that facilitates the spread of some of those diseases.
“They are so concerned they have commissioned a study and they have also stopped selling bird tables.”
Packham added: “It is a very serious issue and some of you might be thinking hold on a moment it is a great tradition in the UK.
“We spend a lot of money and we put a lot of food out for our birds and we have seen increases in some populations and that would undeniably be the case.
“Things are tough out in the countryside these days and we know that some of these birds will move into urban areas to get in that food.
“But what happens if you stop feeding them? As individuals, I can tell you that when they are visiting your bird feeder they are still taking 50 per cent of natural food.
“If you take the bird feeder down it doesn’t take them very long to switch back to finding all-natural food.
“So if we have to switch our habits when it comes to feeding birds, we won’t have to worry too much about them.
“You don’t just put food out, you can garden for wildlife, plant trees and bushes which provide berries in the winter.
“Natural foods are available of course.”
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Strachan was left stunned at their knowledge and urged people to do their research before taking on the job of feeding birds in their garden.
To round off the final episode, they had one last mindful moment, before Strachan shared some images of animals on ice – referencing her current Dancing on Ice stint.