A nature columnist has warned that garden bird feeders can spread a fatal disease among wild birds, after observing a sick goldfinch in west Belfast. The bird showed signs of trichomonosis, a parasite infection that affects the throat and prevents swallowing, usually proving fatal within three weeks.

The columnist noted that the disease does not come from the bird food itself, but from contaminated feeders. Regular cleaning is recommended to reduce risk, including leaving feeders empty for several days to allow wind and rain to help disinfect them.

Trichomonosis first appeared in local bird populations around 20 years ago and nearly wiped out greenfinches, which remain on the Red List of endangered species. A 2017 outbreak in France affected goldfinches but largely spared other species.

Earlier this year, greenfinches were seen returning to feeders in the area, but the population is still recovering. Sunflower hearts remain a popular bird food, though global supply issues have raised prices, as Russia and Ukraine together produce over half the world's sunflower seeds.

The columnist also mentioned delivering bird food to Pat Rice, a former politician and educator from Poleglass, who feeds birds in his garden. The area is described as having many mature trees and is close to Colin Glen, supporting a variety of bird species.