MANY people believe that it is wrong to feed their garden birds in mid-summer because it stops them from foraging for more natural food. But this is wrong, says the influential British Trust for Ornithology.

At this time, millions of fledglings have been forced from their nests to make their own way in life. And because they are in experienced foragers, many of them face a food shortage now which could weaken them when winter arrives.

The trust today issued an appeal for people to fill their garden feeders and keep their bird tables stocked because “scientific research has shown that feeding our garden birds now can have far reaching benefits.”

scientific research has shown that feeding our garden birds now can have far reaching benefits.

British Trust for Ornithology

It goes on:“By providing a reliable source of food now you will be giving young, inexperienced birds a great start in life, so that they will be in good shape when the weather turns colder.

“The summer months can be a tough time for young birds, as they become independent of their parents. Finding a regular source of food is vitally important for these inexperienced youngsters, saving them some searching and foraging time.

“Putting food out in our gardens can make all the difference. Once a reliable source of food has been found it is visited again and again so it is important to continue feeding. During extremes in the weather this food source becomes even more important.”