As winter sets in, it’s tempting to turn your back on your garden and hide indoors until spring. But before getting too comfortable in front of the TV, spare a thought for the poor wildlife shivering outside.
Garden birds in Yorkshire appreciate food you put out for them at any time of year but never more so during the winter months when it can mean the difference between life and death. It’s now that their natural food supplies are scarce and they burn more energy to keep warm.
There‘s a huge choice of bird food on the market these days ranging from seed mixes and peanuts to fat balls and suet cakes. However, the good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your garden wildlife well fed. Kitchen scraps like leftover rice and pasta, dry breakfast cereals and unsalted bacon rind will do the job just as well. A word of caution though, avoid any salted products or soft fats, which can damage a bird’s feathers.
In the same way we have our favourite foods, different birds have different preferences. The more variety you offer the birds, the more species you’re likely to attract. Blackbirds love fruit, especially berries and apples, while blue tits like fat blocks and seed mixes. The nation’s favourite birds, the robin enjoys sunflower hearts, goldfinches are tempted by nyjer seeds, and wrens are partial to a bit of suet and grated mild cheese.
All birds also need water for bathing and preening, which is essential for keeping their feathers waterproof and well-insulated. A bird bath can be really useful for them particularly in winter when natural water supplies are often frozen.
There are loads of types of bird feeders; bird tables are useful because they are versatile but small hanging feeders are handy for seeds and peanuts if you have a tree. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a garden or a yard, you can get a feeder that sticks to the window.
If you enjoy watching your garden birds, then take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch on 30-31 January 2016. Now in its 37th year, it’s world’s largest garden wildlife survey with over half a million people regularly participating. It’s great fun and provides valuable information about the changes in numbers of birds using our gardens in winter. www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
