11/04/2026
We’ve had lots of questions about bird tables following recent RSPB guidance 🪶
Here’s the honest, balanced answer:
Bird tables are still absolutely fine to use—but how we use them matters more, especially in warmer months.
During spring and summer, birds rely more on natural food sources, and gathering in large numbers around shared feeding areas can increase the risk of disease spread.
That doesn’t mean bird tables are “bad”—it just means they’re best used a little differently:
✔️ Use smaller amounts of fresh food
✔️ Keep them clean (ideally regularly, especially in warm weather)
✔️ Avoid letting food build up or go wet
✔️ Consider mixing with hanging feeders to reduce crowding
Bird tables really come into their own in autumn and winter, when natural food is scarcer and birds benefit most from extra support.
Feeding birds is still a wonderful thing to do—it’s just about doing it thoughtfully, season by season
