Garden Wildlife in Winter

As we sit comfortably indoors this winter, it’s well worth sparing a thought for our garden birds. Extreme winters, as recently experienced in the UK, can be quite a real test of survival abilities for many of our more common bird types such as blackbirds, tits, robins and sparrows. On a single frosty winters night, birds may use up an amazing 10% of their total bodyweight just trying to keep warm. Because of this they have to feed properly every day just to replace their reserves for the wintry night ahead. Prolonged frosty periods may result in a high death rate in birds.With some water, wildbird food and protection, gardens can become a haven for birds and other wild animals. Make sure a supply of fresh water is made available every day and, should the temperature be particularly low, use warm water. Throughout the cold winter weather birds require high energy (fatty) foods to maintain their fat reserves in order to survive the frosty nights so a bird table filled with a high nutrient seed mix will be very welcome indeed. In addition a variety of household leftovers such as cooked potato, pastry and bread crumbs, cheese and soft fruit will also be much appreciated as will suspended bird feeders containing sunflower rich blends or nuts without salt.
Bird tables and bird feeders need to be placed where birds are at ease and able to feed undisturbed and well away from fencing and walls where cats could easily catch them unaware as they feed.