Feeding birds in winter

Impact of removing trees and hedges and buildings in the country has had a major impact on the birds' natural food sources, and is particularly noticeable during the winter months. 

Although rowan, hawthorn and yews may look as though they have plenty of berries are not enough to go around. More and more birds are dependent on humans to provide extra food for them during the cold weather and venturing into more cities error to find this food.

There are a number of different types of food you can feed the birds either put on tables or in feeders or you can spread some on the ground or in special trays to the ground feeders.

Seed mixtures are nutrient rich and can be specially constructed for a particular species, or you can buy more general mixtures, which will attract all types of bird. Niger seeds are becoming more popular in England because it attracts goldfinches and people appreciate their colorful displays, as they flock to the cables.

 

Make sure you buy your seed mix from a reputable supplier and use seed mixtures for wild birds than in cage or aviary birds.

Animal fat such as tallow is an excellent treatment for birds in winter, which gives them an immediate energy boost and give the birds to build up a reserve of fat to see them through the freezing nights.

You can make your own fat feeders by filling out the old plastic containers such as yoghurt pots and drinks bottles with a mixture of tallow, seeds and dried fruit or you can buy special balls fat or tallow blocks from bird food suppliers.

Use no hooks or nets when your fat hanging feeders as they may be harmful to birds if they become trapped in them.

Do not throw your kitchen scraps, but put them out for the birds. They will eat unsalted bacon, mild cheese, soaked dried fruit, cooked rice and nuts. In winter it is fine to turn off all nuts, as there are young birds on who could choke on them.

It is also important that you put out fresh supplies of water in winter as the birds' usual sources can be frozen. You can see the birds splash around in the water, but do not worry about them getting cold. Well water for drinking, they need it to clean itself.

Make sure your bird bath's water has not frozen at night, and you can add a bird-friendly disinfectant that to prevent the spread of the disease.

Bird feeding can encourage rats, so whatever food you choose to put off the bird make sure you keep feeding areas clean. Sweep up old food and use a scraper to remove dried food and droppings from your bird table.

By feeding birds in winter, you will not only do your bit for conservation but you will have the pleasure of seeing many birds that visit your garden at a time of year when gardens can be quite boring.