Bird lovers in the UK have received an urgent call to action as wildlife conservation groups make a ‘once a week’ plea. The request is in response to the growing threat of the Usutu virus, which has been devastating blackbird populations.
As the virus spreads, organisations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are turning to the public for aid. Britons are being advised on various steps they can take to help curb the spread of this mosquito-borne illness.
The RSPB specifically suggests a routine of cleaning bird feeders every week to prevent disease transmission. The charity’s advice includes removing litter, scrubbing the feeders with a gentle disinfectant mixture, and rinsing them well with water.
In addition, RHS’s senior wildlife expert Helen Bostock, alongside senior ecologist Caitlin McLaughlin, recommends homeowners “minimise unnecessary standing water in your garden where mosquitoes could breed”. They continue with practical tips: “Stand wheelbarrows up when not in use to avoid rainwater collecting, put away any plant saucers when not in use, ensure gutters are kept clear of blockages, and ensure lids are fitted to water butts.”
Experts are urging the public to regularly clean bird baths and refill them with fresh tap water, as well as disinfect bird feeders weekly to prevent the accumulation of leftover food and droppings. It’s also advisable to sweep the area beneath bird feeders and tables, reports Yorkshire Live.
The emergence of Usutu virus in the UK follows a decline in greenfinch and chaffinch populations due to trichomonosis, another parasitic disease. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) stresses the importance of keeping bird feeding areas clean and hygienic.
With National Garden Wildlife Week (May 26 to June 1) in full swing, it’s the perfect time to lend a helping hand to our avian allies. Helen Nyul, Group Head of Biodiversity at David Wilson Homes, offers valuable advice on how to attract birds to gardens and the dos and don’ts when installing bird boxes.
What to feed garden birds
Helen advises: “Setting up a hanging feeding station is a great way to attract a wide variety of garden wildlife, including different varieties of birds. However, it’s important to try to make sure hanging feeding stations are five to six feet in the air to reduce the risk of any nearby ground predators such as cats. A tree is the best location for these, but equally, a nearby fence or post will suffice.
“For garden birds, suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent, high-energy foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds. Sunflower seeds are the go-to choice universally alongside mealworms.”
She warns against certain snacks that could be harmful: “Make sure to avoid any salted foods and nuts, as these can dehydrate the birds. Also, avoid any loose peanuts and larger food items, as parent birds might take these back to their nests, and their young can choke on them.”
Providing shelter
Helen stresses the importance of not just enticing wildlife but also providing a safe haven in your garden. “Rather than simply attracting wildlife to your garden, you can go a step further and make it a home for wildlife, from birds to bugs,” she said. “Bird boxes are often the most popular choice, but you need to make sure you don’t fall into common pitfalls with their placement and construction.”
Bird box location
Considering where to place a nest box is crucial, as Helen outlines, recommending the ideal orientation: “According to Helen, nest boxes should ideally face north-east to south-east to avoid any strong blowing winds and excessive heat from the midday sun. They also should be slightly angled to avoid any rainwater from getting inside.”
She adds a vital tip to safeguard the young and baby birds: “They should never be placed facing directly south, as exposing the box to the sun all day can be dangerous for young birds, causing them to overheat and dehydrate.”
Helen advises: “They should also ideally be one to three metres off the ground to protect them from any crafty cats or other predators. However, some species, like kestrels and owls, prefer boxes to be even higher, sometimes five or more metres. Ideally, they should be fixed to a tree, but the top of a garden fence or garden shed will also suffice as long as predators cannot easily access it.”
Size of bird entry
Helen emphasises the importance of entrance size for homeowners and garden enthusiasts, explaining that different species have distinct requirements:
- 25mm for blue tits
- 28mm for great tits
- 32mm for sparrows
- 45mm for starlings
- Open fronted for robins and blackbirds
Helen cautions: “The bird’s flight path also needs to be taken into consideration. Try to avoid placing it near any obstacles such as washing lines, or natural tree branches and foliage, as this can block access.”
Regarding when to set up bird boxes, she mentions: “As for timing, sometimes birds already start looking for a place to prepare as early as autumn or winter, but the springtime is not too late to place your bird box. Many small birds can still be on the housing market lookout up till May or even June, so there’s still time to make the necessary preparations.”
What are the symptoms of Usutu virus?
Blackbirds may show the following symptoms:
- Weakness and lethargy.
- Poor coordination or balance.
- Reluctance to fly.
- Drooping head and/or wings.
- Ruffled or puffed-up feathers.
- Gasping for breath.
- Seizures.
It’s important to note that some infected blackbirds can be discovered deceased without having shown any prior symptoms. These fatalities tend to occur more frequently during the summer months.
