Wildlife experts are urging gardeners to add cooked potatoes to their bird feeders this spring

Nesting season has kicked off for birds in the UK, and as our feathered friends set up shop for the summer, wildlife charities are urging gardeners to leave potatoes on their bird feeders.

We all want to know how to attract birds to our garden. They eat pests such as slugs, and their birdsong is a welcome addition to any morning. The easiest way to attract them is by feeding them the best food, especially considering bird populations are declining in the UK.

The RSPB says birds have been in steady decline in the UK due to the loss of habitats and the increased use of pesticides and fertilisers in farming. By serving them up a high-calorie meal of cooked potatoes, you can help give birds the energy they need this spring.

Why can you put potato in a bird feeder?

Birds are an important part of any garden wildlife ideas, and ensuring they get the right nutrients is vital to keep them happy and healthy. Potatoes are rich in calories and carbohydrates, which can be a vital energy source for birds, especially during nesting season.

‘Potatoes help boost calorie consumption for birds, especially during colder weather, and when you mix them with their usual seeds and nuts, you can offer them a strong and balanced diet from your bird feeder. It helps support your local ecosystem, and you’ll find you get a lot more birds visiting you. Crows and ravens are particularly fond of this starchy treat,’ explains Jeff Ellis, garden expert and adviser at Posh.

Eunice Arauz, owner of Pets Avenue, explains how she even saw an increase in birds visiting her feeder after adding cooked potatoes to her feeder.

‘From my experience, potatoes are also a great alternative when you're looking to offer something a bit more substantial than seeds alone. They contain vitamins like B6 and C, which contribute to feather health and overall vitality. I often cut up small, easy-to-peck chunks and leave them out near areas with plenty of natural cover. I’ve noticed that birds come back regularly, so I believe it provides them with a steady energy supply,’ she says.

However, you must serve your potatoes in a specific way. Raw potatoes are harmful to birds, while leftover spuds with salt can equally upset a bird’s digestive system.

‘Raw potato has solanine in it, which is a toxin for most animals (birds and dogs included). You also need to avoid feeding them any processed potatoes because they have high quantities of salt and fat that can be harmful to a bird’s health,’ says Jeff.

The best way to serve up spuds for birds is to boil the potatoes and leave them completely unseasoned.

As well as potatoes, you should also feed birds other high-calorie foods such as sunflower seeds and fat balls. You should also check for signs your bird feeder is infected, as currently, a deadly finch disease is taking a toll on bird populations.

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Will you be serving up potatoes for birds this spring?