With snow, ice and cold weather spreading across the country this week, we're asking people to remember the birds that need our help to endure these severe weather conditions. Despite a mild start to the winter, it now seems as though wild birds will face a test in finding enough of the right kind of foods to give them energy and warmth, meaning the food and water we supply could ensure their survival into spring.
During cold snaps, such as this one, birds become more vulnerable and are more likely to come into our gardens to seek refuge. When temperatures drop below freezing, birds struggle to find the natural food they need to stay alive so we can really help them out. To encourage the survival of our birds, people should provide food like meal worms, fat-balls, sunflower hearts, crushed peanuts, dried fruit, seeds and grain to compensate for birds’ natural food which is covered in snow and ice and impossible to get to.
Kitchen leftovers like grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, unsalted bacon, cooked rice, pasta and the insides of cooked potatoes are also a good source of energy for garden birds, and unfrozen water for both drinking and bathing is vital.
To find out how you can give nature a home where you live visit rspb.org.uk/homes.