Gardeners are being urged to scatter chilli powder in their gardens this August for an important reason. It might sound odd, but chilli powder is the perfect aid if leaving food out for hungry birds – so it doesn’t get stolen by other animals, especially when summer is getting started but birds are still struggling to find food for themselves.
Birds continue to face challenges finding food, with populations under threat in the UK as food availibility continue to decline. The massive reduction in insect numbers – down as much as 60% in the UK in the last 20 years thanks to habitat loss and climate change – is thought to be having knock-on effects right up the food chain. Birds have far less to eat, which is putting them at risk of starvation, especially in the spring and summer months when they need to nest and feed their young too. That’s why gardeners are being asked to do what they can for birds and leave bird food out.
Bird feed firm Peckish says that although August is a quieter month for garden birds, gardeners should still leave out food and especially water, which can be hard to come by in August.
It says: “August is well known as a quiet month for garden birds. Many birds are done with breeding for the year and the abundance of wild food in the form of seeds, fruits, and insects means our garden feeders are in less demand. Common birds, such as Robin and Blackbirds, will also begin to moult at this time of year. Moulting allows birds to get rid of the worn feathers from a busy breeding season and prepare for migration and the cooler months ahead. Like us, they prefer to change their outfits in a private and safe space, so they slink about in the undergrowth as their ability to fly is reduced.
“Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won’t need to be topped up as often, and will also provide insects for birds to eat.
But one problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals – like grey squirrels – will try to steal it.
That’s where the chilli powder comes in. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something which you leave bird food on for the birds (and if you don’t have one, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of chopped peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apples out for birds to eat, soaked in water so birds have vital water to drink too.
Bruised apples and pears are really attractive to birds, and household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can be used too – although you should avoid using too much of these, say the RSPB.
But lace all of it with a scattering of chilli powder or chilli flakes, including the water, and the birds will have the food and water all to themselves. That’s because birds aren’t at all affected by the spicy taste of chilli, whereas squirrels and foxes hate it. That way, all of the food and water is left for the hungry and thirsty birds.
The RSPB says: “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.
“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.
“Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren’t bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can’t put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone.”
The Express put this to the test, too, and found that it really does work.