Ornithologist says to leave used coffee grounds in your garden
Maria Kincaid says it is a good way to help birds get the nutrition they need over the winter
You could make sure birds get the food they need
A wildlife expert has urged everyone to leave used coffee grounds in their gardens to help birds this winter. Maria Kincaid, in-house ornithologist for FeatherSnap, said the move will help ensure birds get the nutrition they need.
She said: “Deterring pests is always a struggle when it comes to feeding our garden birds. Besides using baffles and regularly cleaning spent shells and spilled seed from underneath your feeder, which should be done regularly, your coffee habit may help.
"Try spreading a layer of used coffee grounds on the area around the base of your feeder. Squirrels and other pests don't like the strong smell of coffee, so it may deter them further away from your feeder, and as a bonus as the coffee grounds break down they'll add beneficial nutrients and organic matter back into your garden soil."
Maria also recommends the 5-7-9 rule. She said: "If you’ve ever filled a bird feeder only to find squirrels treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet, the 5-7-9 rule might save the day. The 5-7-9 rule with feeders is a way to help avoid those pesky acrobats,” says Kincaid. “Place your feeder 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from structures like fences or decks they may be able to jump from, and 9 feet from overhanging branches.”
Maria, originally from New Orleans, studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University. She spends her time watching the sky for birds or scouting out the next great hunting spot.