For those who wish to feed birds this winter, ornithologist Dmitrijs Boiko shared a few tips and recommendations with Latvian Television.
“The first rule is that if we start feeding, we do this until spring. Sometimes spring comes at the end of February, sometimes only in March, in April,” Boiko said.
Under no circumstances should the bird feed be salted. Bacon which is a popular bird treat must also be unsalted.
It is better to choose black sunflower seeds instead of the spotted ones, Boiko said. “In black sunflowers, the oil content is higher, which is good for birds because they spend a lot of energy during winter and need something more fatty,” explained the ornithologist.
The birds can also be given flaxseed, barley groats, millet, hemp, dried fruit, raisins, peanuts.
The ornithologist himself feeds birds. “I bought 150 kilograms of sunflower seed in time. I also add unsalted bacon. Several hundred birds visit the feeder during the winter,” Boiko shared his experience.
