Feeding Farmland Birds Through the Hungry Gap: A Winter Survival Guide for UK Farmers

Every winter, UK farmland birds face a critical period known as the “hungry gap” - typically spanning from December through March -when natural food sources are scarce. As we walk the frosty fields of winter bird food plots, it's clear just how crucial these efforts are in sustaining bird populations through the colder months.

This blog complements our latest field video - watch it below to see supplementary feeding in action and gain further insight into how you can support your farm’s feathered visitors through the winter.

A Walk Through the Mixes

Our recent field visit explored two types of winter bird food: annual and biennial mixes. The annual mix, rich in seed-bearing plants like fodder radish and millet, initially shows great promise. Fodder radish, in particular, is a standout for its ability to retain seed longer, offering birds access to nourishment even as other seeds shed early. But timing is everything. By early February, even the most abundant plots can be stripped bare, leaving birds in dire need during the peak of the hungry gap.

Biennial mixes, with kale as a key component in their second year, follow a similar trajectory. While they provide excellent seed coverage in their first year, the second-year reliance on kale often falls short by mid-winter.

The Emerging Threat: Brittle Grass

Another pressing issue is the invasion of brittle grass, which smothers seed-producing plants and reduces the effectiveness of winter mixes. Its impact can be as devastating to bird food plots as blackgrass is to cereal crops. Proper site rotation and species selection can help manage this threat.

The Jewel in the Crown: Supplementary Feeding

As the video transcript reveals, supplementary feeding is proving to be the most effective strategy for sustaining bird populations during the hungry gap. Feeding birds twice a week across multiple sites on the farm ensures a steady food supply. Using trail cameras, we've seen first-hand the impact: flocks of over 60 finches, yellowhammers, and house sparrows returning regularly for feedings.

Supplementary feeding doesn't just support birds - it’s a visual and rewarding testament to the farmer’s role in wildlife stewardship. It also reduces food availability for pests like rats and crows by limiting the time food is exposed.

Best Practices from Agrii Wildlife Information Sheet No. 7

To ensure success with winter bird food:

• Sow Wisely: Choose a diverse mix with at least six species to meet SFI requirements. Annuals often outperform biennials in year-one yield. Include seed-retaining plants like fodder radish.

• Location Matters: Select sunny, sheltered sites near cover, but avoid overhanging trees and wet ditches.

• Timing is Key: March to June sowing works best, but soil warmth and moisture should guide the final decision.

• Sow with Care: Aim for a fine, firm seedbed. Depth varies by seed size, but 2 - 3 cm is a good average.

• Manage Well: Fertilise appropriately, and consult an agronomist for herbicide plans tailored to your weed issues.

The Takeaway

Combining sown bird food with strategic supplementary feeding bridges the hungry gap and plays a vital role in conserving farmland bird populations. With careful planning, consistent feeding, and targeted management, UK farmers can make a significant difference in the survival and success of wintering birds.