As summer fades into memory and the weather gets colder and wetter as winter nears, many gardeners are still trying to do their best to help the birds by leaving food out. But according to bird feed experts at supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, leaving one common food out for the wildlife may actually do more harm than good this winter.
Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist, warns Brits about how certain types of peanuts could be deadly to birds and the best foods to feed them this autumn.
With October bringing colder weather already, and storm conditions from Storm Amy, garden birds need high-energy foods to survive the drop in temperature and build essential fat reserves for winter.
Peanuts are often recommended because of their high protein and calorie content, making them a popular choice for bird lovers across the UK.
But bird feeding expert Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies warns that not all peanuts are safe, and the wrong kind could be deadly.
He told the Express: “It’s important to use only peanuts from trusted wildlife suppliers, as these are tested to make sure they’re free from aflatoxin, a natural mould toxin that can be fatal to birds even in small amounts.
“Avoid salted or roasted peanuts altogether, as these can cause real harm. Sticking to safe, specialist foods means birds get the nutrition they need without unnecessary risks.”
Richard urges gardeners to switch to sunflower hearts instead, adding: “Autumn is a season when birds need to build up energy reserves, and offering the right foods can make all the difference. Sunflower hearts are one of the best options, providing a high-calorie boost that helps birds prepare for the colder months.”
If you don’t have sunflower hearts or mealworms to hand, you could always try chopped apples, pears or soaked raisins, Richard adds.
He adds: “Autumn hedgerows naturally provide berries and fruit, and you can echo that in the garden. Chopped apples, pears, or soaked raisins are excellent for species that feed on the ground.
“Suet is another key food to introduce now, helping birds stock up on fat reserves before winter sets in. Even though many people associate suet with frost, it’s just as important in the run-up to winter.”
