RSPB Feed the Birds Day – Oct. 29, 2026

RSPB Feed the Birds Day
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessWildlife
Where:
United Kingdom
Date change rule:
Every October 29
Holiday emoji:
🐦

RSPB Feed the Birds Day encourages everyone to support wild birds every October 29. This special holiday, championed by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, highlights the critical need to provide food and water for garden birds, especially as colder months limit natural food sources. Join in by setting up a bird feeder, ensuring a clean water supply, and learning about local conservation efforts.

Want to sponsor RSPB Feed the Birds Day? Learn how

Expected RSPB Feed the Birds Day Deals

On RSPB Feed the Birds Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial conservation efforts. Organizations like the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) itself lead the charge, encouraging donations and memberships to support their vital work in bird protection and habitat restoration. Many local wildlife trusts and bird sanctuaries also run specific fundraising campaigns, often partnering with garden centers like Dobbies Garden Centres or hardware stores such as B&Q to promote bird-friendly products. Look for special offers on bird seed, feeders, and nesting boxes, with a portion of sales often benefiting bird conservation. Online retailers like Garden Bird Supplies and Vivara frequently highlight their ethical sourcing and offer educational resources alongside their products. Participating in events like bird counts or volunteering with groups such as the National Audubon Society (in the US) or local bird clubs is another way to contribute. We will update this page with confirmed live conservation drives and related promotions as October 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for RSPB Feed the Birds Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RSPBFeedTheBirdsDay. Share photos of your garden birds, feeders, or bird-friendly garden setups.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RSPBFeedTheBirdsDay. Share tips for winter bird care or retweet RSPB’s latest conservation updates.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RSPBFeedTheBirdsDay. Join local birdwatching groups to share sightings and discuss conservation efforts.

Social Media Tips for RSPB Feed the Birds Day

Individuals

Set up a bird feeder in your garden or balcony, ensuring it's clean and regularly stocked with appropriate food. Share photos of your visiting birds using #RSPBFeedTheBirdsDay.

Creators

Film a 'how-to' guide for building a DIY bird feeder or creating a bird-friendly garden. Share tips on identifying common garden birds and their dietary needs.

Brands

Partner with a local wildlife charity or the RSPB to run a donation-matching campaign. Offer discounts on bird care products, highlighting their ecological benefits and proper use.

Organizations & Brands for RSPB Feed the Birds Day

  1. RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)

    Founded in 1889, the RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring millions to give nature a home. They protect threatened birds and wildlife, campaign for a healthy environment, and run over 200 nature reserves.

  2. National Audubon Society

    Founded in 1905, the National Audubon Society is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to bird conservation. They protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, through science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

  3. Wild Birds Unlimited

    Founded in 1981, Wild Birds Unlimited is a North American franchise of retail stores that specialize in products for backyard bird feeding and nature appreciation. They offer high-quality bird seed, feeders, and expert advice.

  4. Jacobi Jayne & Company

    A leading supplier of wild bird care products in the UK, Jacobi Jayne offers a wide range of feeders, bird food, and accessories. They are committed to quality and supporting garden wildlife.

  5. CJ Wildlife

    Established in 1987, CJ Wildlife is a European leader in wild bird and wildlife products. They conduct extensive research to develop high-quality food and habitats that genuinely benefit wildlife.

  6. Garden Bird Supplies

    An online retailer based in the UK, Garden Bird Supplies offers a vast selection of bird food, feeders, and accessories. They focus on providing quality products to support garden birds year-round.

  7. Opticron

    A British company specializing in binoculars, telescopes, and accessories for birdwatching and nature observation. Opticron provides high-quality optical equipment essential for appreciating wild birds.

RSPB Feed the Birds Day Hero

Gilbert White

Gilbert White (1720-1793) was an English naturalist and ornithologist, often considered one of the earliest ecologists. His pioneering work, 'The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne,' detailed observations of local flora and fauna, including birds, inspiring generations of naturalists and birdwatchers. His meticulous records emphasized the importance of observing and understanding local wildlife.

History of RSPB Feed the Birds Day

Feed the Birds Day was established by the British Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (R.S.P.B.). It is a holiday that is dedicated to the protection of birds in our environment. The organization encourages more people in society to put out food and water to feed birds. A home garden can provide food and shelter for birds, allowing more endangered species like house sparrows to feed. Since 1979, the species’ population has decreased by two-thirds. Since 2004, the average number of birds visiting gardens has decreased by a fifth. The R.S.P.B. was inspired to create “Homes for Wildlife” as a result of this.

The nutritional requirements of different birds vary. Birds can become endangered when they do not have enough access to the food they require. People can provide the type of food that can sustainably feed some types of birds based on their environment. The type of food that birds require would naturally attract them. The more food there is, the more birds will flock to a certain region to feed. It’s critical to match the amount of bird food available to the demand. It’s best to prevent leaving uneaten food to pile up near the feeders. The birds will develop accustomed to a feeding regimen if one is established. They’ll start to plan their visits to the garden around the schedule.

Birds require high-energy (high-fat) diets to sustain their fat reserves throughout the chilly winter months to endure the icy evenings. Birds would get the nutrients they need from high-quality food and scraps, preventing them from becoming malnourished.

RSPB Feed the Birds Day timeline

1889
R.S.P.B. Is Founded

The British Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is established.

1944
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is Sighted

The last sighting of the ivory-billed woodpecker in North America takes place in Louisiana.

1973
Bird Exportation is Outlawed

The exportation of rainforest birds is outlawed in Peru.

2007
Birds Are Sold To Restaurants

Over half a million protected birds are killed by illegal trappers in Cyprus and sold at local restaurants.

How Businesses Can Celebrate RSPB Feed the Birds Day

Local businesses can authentically celebrate RSPB Feed the Birds Day by promoting bird-friendly practices. Garden centers can host workshops on building bird feeders or choosing native plants that provide natural food sources. Pet stores can offer discounts on high-quality bird seed and feeders, emphasizing responsible feeding. Cafes might create a ‘birdwatcher’s special’ and donate a portion of sales to a local wildlife charity. Even offices can install window feeders, providing a moment of nature connection for employees while contributing to local bird welfare.

RSPB Feed the Birds Day FAQs

When is RSPB Feed the Birds Day?

RSPB Feed the Birds Day in 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29, encouraging everyone to support wild birds as winter approaches.

Why is it important to feed birds in winter?

During colder months, natural food sources for wild birds become scarce, making it difficult for them to find enough to eat. Providing supplementary food and water, especially in late autumn and winter, can significantly boost their chances of survival.

How many bird species are there in the UK?

The UK is home to a diverse range of bird species, with approximately 620 different species recorded. This includes resident birds, migratory visitors, and rare vagrants, highlighting the rich avian biodiversity of the region.

What kind of food should I put out for birds?

Offer a variety of high-energy foods such as black sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet balls, and crushed peanuts. Avoid salted nuts, milk, or cooked oats, as these can be harmful to birds.

How to Observe RSPB Feed the Birds Day

  1. Feed some birds

    You can put out some food and water that birds can enjoy. They’ll be getting much-needed nutrients and rest from this kind gesture.

  2. Learn about birds

    Learn more about some of your favorite birds. Find out their different characteristics and the issues that they face today.

  3. Visit a zoo

    Beautiful birds can be seen in a variety of zoos. Spend the day with some new bird friends, feeding them and playing with them.

5 Cool Facts About Birds

  1. Flamingos eat upside down

    The only way the flamingo bird can feed is with its head turned upside down.

  2. Birds come from reptiles

    Birds descended from the ‘Archaeopteryx,’ which is the earliest known bird that lived about 147 million years ago.

  3. Robins are popular

    The robin is considered to be the most popular wild bird in the U.K.

  4. The ostrich is large

    The ostrich is the largest living bird in the world reaching a height of up to 6.2 feet.

  5. The hummingbird

    The hummingbird is the smallest living bird in the world measuring only about 2.1 inches long.

Why RSPB Feed the Birds Day is Important

  1. It raises awareness

    The holiday contributes to the conservation of wild birds. People are made aware of the problems birds encounter and how to help them.

  2. It protects birds

    People are more likely to help birds as a result of the holiday. Birds have easier access to food and water, which makes it easier for them to survive.

  3. It helps the environment

    Birds play a vital role in the ecology. They aid in the maintenance of a healthy environmental balance. Protecting them contributes to environmental protection.

RSPB Feed the Birds Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 29 Wednesday
2026 October 29 Thursday