Stocking up on the food and drink...

I had my first mince pie of the season this week. Yes, it seems that I can no longer deny that Christmas is coming, so it was timely when this RSPB/Aldi video came dropping into my inbox with something you might like to try this weekend. It won't get the goose fat, but it might allow your garden birds to pile on the ounces!

You see, apparently, this weekend it is Stir-up Sunday, when families across the land will be getting out their strongest wooden spoon to try and make the Christmas pudding. The lovely idea in the video is that, if you've any ingredients left over, you might like to chuck them in a bit of suet and make a very fine birdcake so that the little mites stuck outside get to share in the Christmas cheer too. (Vegetarian suet is fine, by the way.)

Of course, if the birds have got some Christmas nibbles, they also need something to wash it down, which is where my birdbath comes in. After it has rained (which it seems to have done nonstop for a week now), they've got a plethora of puddles to choose from (mmm, mud soup anyone?), but in any dry or icy spell, the birdbath really comes into its own.

Regular readers will remember that I made my 'pièce de resistance' earlier this year out of an upturned dustbin lid, four bricks and a bit of gravel (there's the Scrooge in me coming out!), and it has given me endless enjoyment.

It fulfils all the principles of a good birdbath - it is shallow and wide, with plenty of opportunity to just get in and wallow and splash about like happy children, such as these House Sparrows...

...or this Robin and Blue Tit (and soggy Sparrow).

Once birds get to know that there is always a first-rate bathing place available, whatever the weather, they come back daily, so I always like to have a well-established birdbath in view ready for RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch so that I can get my best totals during the count.

It is easy to understand why birds need a daily drink, but it can seem surprising how many birds continue to bathe in winter. It is such an important part of keep their plumage in tiptop condition.

So if you're stuck for Christmas present ideas for your nearest and dearest, consider a dustbin lid and a few bricks. It'll be much more appreciated than socks...by the birds, at least!