RSPB Issues Critical Warning Over Bird Feeder Practices This Summer
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has sounded a stark alarm regarding the health of the UK's starling and greenfinch populations. New data from the charity's long-running Big Garden Birdwatch indicates that these once-common songbirds are facing severe declines, with disease transmission at garden feeders identified as a significant contributing factor.
Alarming Population Declines Revealed
According to the latest survey results, the starling has reached record low numbers for the second consecutive year. This year's data shows a further 3 per cent decline, bringing the overall population reduction to a staggering 85.1 per cent since the citizen science initiative began in 1979. Despite a modest 2.3 per cent increase in average counts this year, greenfinch numbers remain two-thirds lower than in 1979, highlighting persistent conservation concerns.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB's chief executive, emphasised the gravity of the situation: "We're not asking people to stop feeding birds entirely, but we must adapt our practices to protect their long-term health. Feeding birds is a cherished activity for millions, yet scientific evidence clearly shows that species like greenfinches have suffered from disease spread at feeders."
The Disease Threat at Feeding Stations
RSPB scientists have identified trichomonosis as particularly devastating for greenfinches, with the disease spreading more easily when birds congregate around feeders during summer and autumn months. Both starling and greenfinch populations are now classified as "red-listed" due to their falling numbers, with UK-wide surveys indicating a loss of over two million greenfinches since the mid-1990s.
The charity's experts recommend several practical measures to mitigate disease transmission:
- Feed birds seasonally, adjusting food types during higher-risk periods
- Consider pausing seed and peanut offerings in summer and autumn to prevent overcrowding
- Clean or relocate feeders weekly to maintain hygiene standards
- Change water sources daily to prevent contamination
- Retire flat-surfaced feeders and bird tables, which research shows pose higher disease risks
Small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet can be safely provided year-round, according to the RSPB's guidance.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 Results
This year's survey attracted participation from over 650,000 volunteers who spent an hour counting birds in gardens or local green spaces during the last weekend of January. The house sparrow maintained its top position as the most commonly spotted species, followed by the blue tit in second place. Starlings moved from fourth to third position, though this shift resulted largely from fewer reported woodpigeon sightings rather than starling population recovery.
Before the year 2000, starlings regularly topped the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings. Their current red-list status reflects serious concerns about falling chick survival rates during first winters, though the RSPB acknowledges that definitive causes behind the decline remain unclear.
Despite these concerning trends, the 2026 survey did reveal some positive developments. The number of migratory redwing and fieldfare recorded surged dramatically, with average counts increasing by 307 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. The RSPB had predicted a bumper year for migratory species following cold and unsettled weather patterns across Europe.
Ms Speight concluded with a call for collective action: "By implementing small changes together, we can ensure that garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature conservation. Our feathered friends depend on our responsible stewardship."
