Is your bird feeder camera doing more harm than good? 3 tips for using it safely as RSPB issues urgent disease warning

I love the close up view of my garden birdlife that bird feeder cameras provide – the experience never grows old. However, the responsible thing to do is to pack feeders away during warmer months.

That's according to the RSPB charity, who has issued an urgent warning as warmer spring and summer months hit the UK, in a bid to reduce the spread of avian diseases.

It estimates that 6 million greenfinches and chaffinches have died in recent years on account of the parasitic disease trichomonosis, according to a report shared by The Guardian.

The disease is particularly potent to finch species, and can be transmitted through fluids such as bird saliva, which can fester at feeders for longer during warmer months.

Here's what the RSPB says you should do.

1. Simply take feeders down until winter

You might not like it, but the best way to look after birdlife over the warm months is not by topping up seed trays of your bird feeders, including bird feeder cameras, but by taking them down altogether.

The RSPB says, "We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds". This includes a small amount of mealworms and suet balls over warm months, and to avoid seed trays where parasites can fester over warm weather, spanning May 1 to October 31 in the UK.

As for bird tables and flat-surfaced feeders, the RSPB recommends taking them down permanently.

2. Clean regularly

When your bird feeders are in place over cooler winter months, it is your responsibility to keep them clean. The advice from any responsible bird feeder manufacturer is to avoid overfilling seed trays, while the RSPB suggests a weekly clean of feeder trays.

Seed left sitting in a feeder is at greater risk of contamination, so it's best to top up in small amounts, and avoid placing the feeder near roosting spots.

Bird saliva is another key ingredient for parasites and can lead to the spread of diseases. As such, you should and clean the feeder weekly with soapy water or, ideally, a 5% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), wearing rubber gloves.

You might be doing more harm than good by providing an unhygienic feeder. The RSPB has a detailed breakdown of what you should do to reduce the spread of diseases from your feeder.

3. Explore alternatives

If you live in a region with seasonal temperature fluctuations and still want to enjoy a close up view of your garden birdlife without putting them at risk, there are alternatives to the best bird feeder cameras. One such device I recently tested is the Birdfy Bird Bath Pro.

As the name suggests, it's a bird bath rather than a feeder, which likewise features a camera for a close up view. My review says the device has its quirks, but offers a refreshing insight to bird behaviour over a feeder, including splashing and preening.

Like a bird feeder, a bird bath should be cleaned regularly to cut the risk of spreading disease – the RSPB says to change the water daily – but it is a better option than a feeder over warm months.

The bottom line

The RSPB has a clear message to bird lovers who provide food for their feathered friends: “The new advice is simple: feed safely and feed seasonally.

"During the warmer months from 1 May to 31 October, when disease can spread more easily, we are recommending people pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to avoid large numbers of birds gathering in one place. Small amounts of mealworms or fat balls can still be offered safely throughout the year."

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