Never is there a more important time of year to put food and water our for our wild birds, especially during a cold snap like this one where snow and ice cover usual food sources.
Food shortages spell disaster for native birds in the UK, at a time when they need to build up strength and condition for breeding in the spring.
The RSPB have some simple tips for ensuring our feathered friends have ample supplies during the winter:
1. Put out feed regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and porridge oats
2. Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts
3. Ensure a supply of fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water but DO NOT use any antifreeze products
4. Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family
5. Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrests and many other species
6. Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for the smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year
There are lots of websites with more detailed information, but the RSPB's own is probably one of the best.
Kim
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Kim Frances is a freelance writer and photographer with The Little White Studio.
