FEEDING YOUR GARDEN BIRDS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THIS WINTER
Taking the time to watch which feathered friends make use of your bird table or window feeder can often help to reduce stress and restore calm . Not only does it benefit humans , but with over 60 % of the UK population regularly feeding their garden birds , research suggests that this helps around 196 million birds a year .
Keeping your feeders and water trays topped up is important at this time of year to help your garden birds survive through the winter as natural food sources run low . Providing high-energy food will help your local birds build up the fat reserves they need to keep warm , and as a result your garden could soon become a hive of activity .
What ’ s more , for those without a garden , window feeders can prove just as popular with your feathered friends .
Thankfully , if your bird feed supplies are running low , your cupboards can hold the answer to attracting our feathered friends to your garden . Fruits like apples and pears , even when they ’ re past their best , can be snapped up by blackbirds and thrushes , while grated mild cheese can be a fantastic source of energy and protein for a range of birds . Cooked pastry , defrosted peas or unsalted bacon leftovers are also great options , as well as cooked rice , pasta and the inside of potatoes providing a great energy source .
With a range of options to help tempt your local birds into your garden , now is the time to stock up your feeders and ensure fresh water is available as winter brings the toughest and coldest months for birds .
It is also important to maintain the hygiene of your bird feeders and bird baths throughout the year . Regularly discard any uneaten food , clean feeders and birdbaths with a mild detergent and warm water , and allow to air dry . This will help the health of your feathered friends . insideKENT ’ s TOP FEEDER PICKS
Nuttery Original Compact Seed Feeder , £ 24.95 , Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Robin Bird Feeder , £ 7 , Daisy Park
Hanging Heart Garden Bird Feeder , £ 19 , Dibor
Sam Recycled Fat Ball Feeder , £ 4 , National Trust Garden Wildlife Range
Extra Large Garden Bird Feeder , £ 28 , Dibor
Eva Solo Window Bird Feeder Large ,
£ 55 , Beaumonde
The RSPB is the UK ’ s largest nature conservation charity , inspiring everyone to give nature a home . Together with their partners , they protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns , coast and countryside will teem with life once again . They play a leading role in BirdLife International , a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations .
www . rspb . org . uk
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