Manchester Evening News Icon What’s On Gardening April, May, and June represent the most important time of year for birdsEggshells can provide vital nutrition for birds(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)Gardeners are being asked to leave egg shells out this spring and summer to help the UK’s bird population.April, May, and June are crucial months for birds as it’s their breeding and nesting season. It’s when they’re raising their chicks and require additional food for themselves and their young to enhance their chances of survival.Surprisingly, both eggs and egg shells can be beneficial for the birds. This is particularly significant given the decline in bird population numbers in recent years.The RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch this year revealed that certain species, such as starlings, have seen substantial declines. Starlings, a common garden bird, fell from third to fourth place in the most frequently spotted species in the annual birdwatch.The RSPB has warned of an 85% decrease in average numbers seen per garden since the scheme started in 1979. That’s why experts consistently urge individuals to do whatever they can to support birds, with feeding being a vital aspect of it.But, few people are aware of how eggs and egg shells can aid birds during the nesting season, reports the Express. According to Really Wild Bird Food, chopped, cooked eggs offer essential nutrients for birds, and even crushed egg shells can provide nourishment.They said: “Kitchen scraps make an excellent addition to your usual choice of bird food. By putting out the right scraps, you are helping to reduce landfill waste, as well as providing the birds with additional essential fats and carbohydrates which are especially important in the Winter and during nesting season.”Chopped, cooked eggs contain many essential nutrients for birds, and even the crushed egg shells will provide calcium for nesting birds, plus the grit helps their digestion. Stale cereal and oats are fine, just as long as they don’t have a high sugar or salt content and are not soaked in milk. Cooked oats can harden around a bird’s beak, so raw oats are preferred.”Plain, cooked pasta and rice is a popular choice and a great source of carbohydrates. Just make sure that they are not coated in sauce or cheese.”But, the firm said it’s important to remove any leftover food items to prevent disease spread, adding: “It is vitally important to clear away any uneaten food. Not only does it attract rats and other vermin, but it can spread bacteria, and birds will not touch food that is off.”