Is your bird feeder camera doing more harm than good? 3 tips for using it safely as RSPB issues urgent disease warning

Date:
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Description:
Bird feeder cameras can be a delight, but the responsible thing to do is pack them away during warmer months

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member
features. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter I love the close up view of my garden birdlife that bird feeder cameras provide
the experience never grows old. However, the responsible thing to do is to pack feeders away during warmer months.

That's according to the RSPB charity, who has issued an urgent warning as warmer spring and summer months hit the UK, in a bid to reduce the spread of avian diseases. It estimates that 6 million greenfinches and chaffinches have died in recent years on account of the parasitic disease trichomonosis, according to a report shared by The Guardian . Article continues below You
may like The best bird feeder cameras we've tested for birdwatching at home Birdfys innovative Feeder Vista is like an Insta360 camera for bird lovers Birdfy Bird Bath Pro review: a fun new way to watch your garden birdlife The disease is particularly potent to finch species, and can be transmitted through fluids such as bird saliva, which can fester at feeders for longer during warmer months. Here's what the RSPB says you should do. 1. Simply take feeders down until winter Seed trays left uncleaned over warm months are a breeding ground for avian diseases (Image credit: Tim Coleman) You might not like it, but the best way to look after birdlife over the warm months is not by topping up seed trays of your bird feeders, including bird feeder cameras
, but by taking them down altogether.

The RSPB says, "Were not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds". This includes a small amount of mealworms and suet
balls over warm months, and to avoid seed trays where parasites can fester over warm weather, spanning May 1 to October 31 in the UK. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

As for bird tables and flat-surfaced feeders, the RSPB recommends taking them down permanently. 2. Clean regularly When your bird feeders are in place over cooler winter months, it is your responsibility to keep them clean. The
advice from any responsible bird feeder manufacturer is to avoid overfilling seed trays, while the RSPB suggests a weekly clean of feeder trays.

Seed left sitting in a feeder is at greater risk of contamination, so it's best to top up in small amounts, and avoid placing the feeder near roosting spots. What to read next Camouflage EZ BirdFeed 1 review: a superb value, smart birdfeeder camera 'Pin-sharp 4K footage' the 3 best security cameras
to protect your home, recommended by a smart home tech editor 12 garden gadgets to give your outside space an instant lift

Bird saliva is another key ingredient for parasites and can lead to the
spread of diseases. As such, you should and clean the feeder weekly with
soapy water or, ideally, a 5% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), wearing rubber gloves.

You might be doing more harm than good by providing an unhygienic feeder. The RSPB has a detailed breakdown of what you should do to reduce the spread of diseases from your feeder. 3. Explore alternatives (Image credit: Tim
Coleman) If you live in a region with seasonal temperature fluctuations and still want to enjoy a close up view of your garden birdlife without putting them at risk, there are alternatives to the best bird feeder cameras . One such device I recently tested is the Birdfy Bird Bath Pro .

As the name suggests, it's a bird bath rather than a feeder, which likewise features a camera for a close up view. My review says the device has its quirks, but offers a refreshing insight to bird behaviour over a feeder, including splashing and preening.

Like a bird feeder, a bird bath should be cleaned regularly to cut the risk
of spreading disease the RSPB says to change the water daily but it is a better option than a feeder over warm months. The bottom line The RSPB has a clear message to bird lovers who provide food for their feathered friends:
The new advice is simple: feed safely and feed seasonally.

"During the warmer months from 1 May to 31 October, when disease can spread more easily, we are recommending people pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to avoid large numbers of birds gathering in one place. Small amounts of mealworms or fat balls can still be offered safely throughout the year." Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to
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