- Feeding birds in winter raises questions about ecological aspects, especially in the context of fat balls in plastic nets.
- Nets, although convenient and often the only solution, carry the risk of birds becoming entangled and littering the environment.
- The key is to feed responsibly: remove empty nets and consider alternatives where possible.
- Learn how to combine caring for birds with caring for the environment by making conscious choices!
Plastic versus good intentions
For many people, feeding birds in winter is one of the easiest ways to really help nature. However, with growing ecological awareness, questions arise more and more often not only about what we feed birds, but also how. One of the most frequently discussed topics are fat balls packed in plastic nets.
The doubts surrounding the nets are understandable. Plastic has no good associations today, especially in the context of environmental protection. It is worth looking at this topic holistically – both from the perspective of bird safety and the impact on the environment. Therefore, it is crucial not only how we feed the birds, but also striving to reduce the negative impact on nature
– says Wojciech Schwartz, co-founder of the Turdus brand, a manufacturer of food for wild birds.
Why are balls in nets still popular?
Many people have feeders in the garden, but feeding is also done on balconies, in small gardens or on trees in urban spaces. In such conditions, a fat ball in a mesh is the simplest solution.
Not everyone has the opportunity to install a feeder. The net allows you to hang the ball practically anywhere and makes food available to the birds directly, without additional structures
– explains Wojciech Schwartz, co-founder of the Turdus brand, which has been operating for over 37 years.
For many people, this form of supplemental feeding is the only real option.
The expert emphasizes that in practice, the availability of food in difficult winter conditions often determines the survival of birds, especially in cities where natural food is less.
Potential threats – what to pay attention to?
Critics of plastic nets point out the risk of birds becoming entangled or leaving plastic remnants in the environment. Such situations, however, happen extremely rarely. These are isolated cases rather than a recurring pattern. Potential threats may occur both at the stage of use and improper leaving of waste in the environment. That is why it is so important to educate and promote responsible bird feeding practices.
It is important to regularly check the feeding site. When the ball runs out, the empty net should be immediately removed and thrown into the trash. The positive aspect of the nets is their single use. This prevents bird droppings from contaminating the food and thus preventing the spread of diseases
– explains Wojciech Schwartz.
Between ecology and practice
The discussion around fat balls in nets shows how important it is to combine care for the environment with everyday activities for animals. It is crucial to support good habits and introduce solutions that will be safe for both birds and nature. The most important thing is not to discourage people from feeding birds, but to teach them good habits.
Instead of zero-one ratings, it is better to talk about conscious choices. If someone uses balls in nets, they should do so responsibly. If he can choose balls without a net and put food directly in the feeder – I definitely recommend this solution. The worst thing we can do is discourage people from helping birds at all
– emphasizes Wojciech Schwartz.
Conscious feeding matters
Winter feeding of birds is more than a one-time gesture. It is a process that requires knowledge, regularity and mindfulness. Regardless of whether we choose a feeder or a fat ball in a net, one thing is crucial: real concern for the safety of birds and the environment in which they live.
