Food for winter birds: How to attract the right species!

Food for winter birds: How to attract the right species!

In winter, wild birds and squirrels receive the greatest attention from nature lovers. However, feeding these animals often causes heated discussions. According to Radio Kärnten, correct feeding is crucial for the survival of wild birds. It is recommended to only offer species-appropriate food, as unsuitable food such as bread and leftovers can be not only unhealthy but also potentially fatal. Forester Günter Annerl emphasizes that feeding only makes sense in severe winter conditions when there is snow and cold. A clean feeding area and the selection of suitable food are essential in order not to endanger the animals.

Squirrels in winter

Squirrels, known for their mischievous behavior and bushy tails, are also active winter residents. In contrast to other animals, they do not hibernate, but also look for food during the cold season. They are often malnourished, especially in urban areas, which is why people should think about feeding them. As reported on oekotest.de, walnuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds should be used as food. It is advisable to set up a special feeder to keep other animals away. Providing water is also important to support the survival of the thorough foragers.

But experts warn about the risks such feeding stations can pose, including disease transmission. Therefore, continuous cleaning of the feeding areas and a varied landscape in the garden, with suitable plants such as hazelnut or walnut bushes, are recommended. These measures not only help squirrels, but also benefit other local animals. There are currently no problems with gray squirrels from North America in Austria, as the native red squirrels are still found in large numbers.