However, putting out food on the ground is likely to attract larger birds, such as seagulls, crows and pigeons, as well as rats and mice.
No-one wants the problems they create as these can become a nuisance to others and spread disease, and will discourage garden birds from visiting your garden.
Local residents are advised to follow RSPB guidelines on bird feeding to prevent this: RSPB feeding bird advice (opens new window)
Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn said: "We would urge local residents to follow our advice to help small garden birds without attracting larger birds or rodents.
"Our Environmental Health team always see an increase in the number of complaints about seagulls at this time of year. We are expecting this to rise further as more people are at home and enjoying their gardens and communities due to the current situation
"The council has no legal duty to control birds and there are few regulatory controls which can be applied. All birds are protected by law and large bird problems are best managed by not putting food out on the ground.
"Building owners should take action to discourage roosting, nesting or perching on their buildings, with the council's Pest Control team offering contract bird proofing work by calling 01506 280000."
For more information on Pest Control services, please visit Pest Control
For more information on bird nuisance problems, see Bird Nuisance
