As we brace ourselves for one of the harshest winters in a decade, the RSPB has issued an appeal for people to feed the birds in their gardens. | "Winter is a challenge for our best–loved birds. People can give a little help by providing food, water and shelter… in the freezing winter months." | | Margaret Overend, RSPB |
The reminder comes as research shows that although 60% of us regularly feed the birds in the garden, 3 million bird feeders are left empty every day. Gardens are vital as providers of food and shelter to many birds. When temperatures fall below freezing, birds struggle to find the food they need to survive the winter in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring. The RSPB is asking people to follow a five-point winter survival plan that will help wild birds during the coldest weather. - Put out food 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 soaked dried fruit.
- Put out hanging feeders filled with black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.
- Supply fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water but DO NOT use any antifreeze products.
- Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.
- Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrest and many other species.
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Are you one of the 60% of people who regularly feed the birds in the garden? Here are some handy hints to keep your garden birds happy: Blackbirds Love fruit, peanuts and earthworms. Blue tits Will enjoy peanut cake, sunflower hearts and seed mixes. Chaffinches Are attracted to peanuts, sunflowers hearts and seeds. House sparrows Love mealworms during the breeding season, but they also love sunflower hearts and seed mixes. Robins Love mealworms, waxworms, peanut granules, sunflower hearts and pinhead oats. Song thrushes Will forage for earthworms, but also enjoy fruit and peanut granules. Starlings Love kitchen scraps and live food, but they will also enjoy peanut cake and seed mixes. |
