Just a word of warning to those who like to feed wild birds.
if we feed them what we think they like rather than what they need, then the birds may end up with diet deficiency syndrome (for want of a better description)
For instance: I knew someone who persisted in feeding the young magpies with shop-bought mince-meat. The birds loved it.
However, due to a folic acid deficient diet, one bird (at least one that I know of) developed a condition known as toe curl. a very crippling and almost irreversible condition.
Before one feeds wild birds, there are a few things to consider.
Are they being fed a diet complete with all the nutrients they need?
And, are they being deprived of learning how to find food in the wild for themselves?
I don't feed wild birds though I do put out water for them. also, I got rid of the lawn and planted native trees so the birds can find natural food in my garden.
Sorry to rain on the parade, but the sight of that young magpie staggering around on its knuckles(?) because it couldn't straighten its toes, will be forever in my memory.
