Anyone who has birds still visiting their garden over the winter is being urged to do something to help them out during the ongoing freezing weather conditions – especially as snow could be on the way next week too.
UK gardens are home to all sorts of wildlife, but not just in the summer – even during the colder winter months.
Several common birds stay in British gardens over the winter, choosing to scrap it out for dwindling food supplies rather than fly south to warmer climates.
Robins, a Christmas favourite, are one bird which will stay in our gardens over winter, battling with other feathered rivals to keep their territory and find enough to eat.
Garden experts Richard Jackson said: “Robins are one of our charismatic winter birds. Easily recognisable, the friendly robin is a great asset in our winter gardens and has been hailed as the UK’s favourite bird.
“In the bleak midwinter, our garden friend the robin shadows our every move in the garden. His tomato red breast shines like a beacon in the cold winter light as he hops and chirrups around as we potter around the winter garden.
“These pretty little birds are hugely territorial. In order to survive they need to protect and retain their patch, especially if there’s a garden rich in bird food or a friendly human providing some sustenance.”
Blackbirds, too, will stay in British gardens, but struggle to find food and a virus has hurt numbers in England in particular.
The British Trust for Ornithology is warning of a decline in blackbird populations due to the appearance of the Usutu virus, a new mosquito-borne virus in the UK which can be fatal to the birds.
Meanwhile, magpies too, will stay here in December rather than going for a winter break abroad.
Magpies are ‘highly resourceful’ and will find berries and food scraps in winter.
Ark Wildlife said: “Magpies are one of the most intelligent birds (and animals!) ever to exist. They have a good long-term memory and they can recall faces. And they’re savvy enough to hoard food when it’s in plentiful supply. As predators, they eat young birds (as most corvid species do), but this doesn’t seem to affect bird population trends.
“Magpies are non-migratory birds and will rarely travel more than 20km from where they were born. These birds are highly resourceful and spend their winters eating wild berries and seeds along with foraging for other food scraps.”
Each of these birds needs a different approach if you want to help them out. Both robins and blackbirds will eat from bird feeders, and any mix of nuts, seeds, suet or dedicated bird food mix like mealworms will work.
Magpies are fussier, and will not eat from a bird feeder, preferring a flat dish or bird table.
The downside of this is that squirrels will steal their food – sprinkle something spicy across it and the birds will still love it but squirrels will leave well alone.
The RSPB urges: “Put out bird food and water on a regular basis through autumn and winter. In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily. Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.
“Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up. Once you have a feeding routine, try not to change it as birds will become used to it.”
The RSPCA has added, for anyone who has birds visiting their garden: “Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions, so ensure they always have access to plenty of food and fresh water and make sure their water doesn’t freeze over.”
