Feeding birds during heavy rain can be a bit challenging, as the rain can make food sources wet and less accessible. However, with some adjustments, you can still provide nourishment for your feathered friends. Here are some tips for bird feeding in heavy rain:

1. Use Covered Feeders: Opt for feeders with covers or roofs that can protect the bird food from getting soaked. Covered feeders can help keep the food dry and accessible even during rainy weather.
2. Suet Cages: Suet cakes or blocks can be placed in suet cages that are designed to protect the suet from rain while allowing birds to cling and feed. Suet provides high-energy nutrition that birds need during challenging weather.
3. Adjust Feeder Placement: Position your feeders in locations that offer some protection from rain, such as under tree branches or near shrubs. This can help minimize the amount of rain that reaches the feeders.
4. Add Platforms: Incorporate platform feeders with roofs or covers to keep the bird food from getting soaked. Many bird species are comfortable feeding from platform-style setups.
5. Use Dry Food: Choose birdseed mixes that are less likely to clump or become soggy when wet. Seeds like sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts can withstand some rain without spoiling.
6. Offer High-Energy Foods: In wet weather, birds need more energy to stay warm and active. Consider providing foods rich in fats and proteins, such as suet, mealworms, and peanut butter.
7. *Provide Shelter: Set up natural or artificial shelters near your feeding stations, such as bushes, trees, or covered pergolas. Birds can take refuge there during rain showers.
8. Use Mesh Feeders: Mesh feeders allow rainwater to pass through, preventing seed from becoming waterlogged. These feeders are especially suitable for finches and other small birds.
9. Regular Maintenance: After heavy rain, check the feeders for any accumulation of water or soaked food. Remove wet food promptly to prevent spoilage and mould growth.
10. Dry Out Feeders: If your feeders become wet, allow them to thoroughly dry before refilling them. This helps prevent mould and bacteria from forming.
11. Offer Fresh Water: Rainwater can dilute natural water sources. Consider providing a clean, shallow bird bath or container of fresh water near your feeding area.
12. Be Patient: Birds might take some time to find the food after a rain shower. Be patient and continue to provide food even if you don't see immediate activity.
13. Check for Mould: Wet birdseed can become mouldy quickly. Regularly inspect your feeders and discard any mouldy or spoiled food.
14. Adjust Feeding Frequency: During heavy rain, you might need to adjust how often you replenish the bird feeders. Smaller amounts of food more frequently can help prevent wastage and spoilage.

Remember that while feeding birds during heavy rain can be beneficial, it's also important to provide suitable natural habitats and native plants that offer food and shelter. Additionally, always prioritise the well-being of the birds by ensuring that the food you provide is safe and not contaminated by mould or bacteria.

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