We love seeing a kererū in a kōwhai or tūī in a tawa gobbling fruit and nectar. Even better if we can supplement the birds’ natural food sources by hanging a feeder to get them through times of food scarcity. But what if trees aren’t an option at your place?

With high levels of energy, nutrients and water content, fruit is an excellent food to keep hungry birds flying, foraging and flocking. However, when helping your backyard visitors with fruity snacks, it is important to consider the types of fruit you are feeding and how you’re feeding them.

As winter hits, trees and shrubs go dormant above ground for the season, biding their time until spring arrives. That means a reduction of food sources like nectar, berries and insects for our wild bird friends.