Supporting our birds during Winter is extremely important. According to RSPB, thirty-eight million birds have disappeared from our UK skies over the last fifty years. The impact of Winter, in particular, leaves birds in a very vulnerable state, with food and water sources becoming more difficult to locate due to the cold and often icy weather conditions.
So what can we do to help? Why not have a read of our blog below to find out!
FOOD
Bird feeds and more available now in our garden centre.
As Winter conditions get harsher, birds will retreat to our gardens to search for food. Providing birds with extra food in Winter is sure to make a massive difference. Of course, a specific bird's diet will vary depending on the species, so in that case, it is best to stock your garden with a multitude of different bird foods like seeds, grains, and nuts. RSPB recommends that you offer birds calorie-rich foods like fat balls, peanuts, mild grated cheeses, rice, and porridge oats (quite a refined palate our feathered friends have, huh?).
Because birds need a regular supply of food to substitute for food lost during Winter, it is important that you provide a regular feeding service. You will need to refill your bird feeders regularly (twice a day if possible, when the weather is extremely bad). Make sure to place fat blocks in wire cages (wire mesh cages for peanuts and seed feeders) so that birds don't harm themselves when trying to retrieve the food. Ground feeders are pretty good too; built like sieves with holes, these feeders help to keep birdseed dry during wet weather.
It is best to place the feeders in 'bird-friendly' environments like bush, tree, and shrub areas so that birds avoid the threat of predators.
WATER
Birdbath available now in our garden centre.
Birdbaths are a must during Winter. Because birds' natural resources for water, like lakes and ponds, are less accessible due to snow, etc., in Winter, birds will struggle to find water. By getting a birdbath, you can help birds stay hydrated, as well as give them the opportunity to spruce up their feathers (also, it never hurts to get a birdbath to spice up your garden decor anyway). When water becomes stagnant, you'll need to replenish the birdbath with fresh water.
As with all bird feeding stations and birdbaths, you need to make sure you keep them clean so that birds can avoid spreading infections to each other. Soapy water or mild disinfectant is great for assisting you with such a task.
SHELTER
Bird shelter available now in our garden centre.
We all need a little shelter; our birds are no exception. RSPB suggests planting hedges like hawthorns. Such thick hedges will allow not only holly and ivy to grow, but they will also give birds a nice, snug cover to settle in. You can also use nesting boxes; putting them out now in Winter will help you to climatise the garden so that the birds know where they are when they need to come nest. These nesting boxes, however, need to be positioned up high so they are away from predators and prevailing winds.
TAKE PART IN THE 'BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH'
Whether you're an expert or brand new to birdwatching, RSPB's event is open to all, so get watching!
RSPB's 'Big Garden Birdwatch' takes place from January 24th-26th this year. This exciting event, for which everyone is welcome to take part, involves you counting all the birds you see in your garden, park, or from your balcony, for a total of one hour over the course of a few days. After counting them, all you need to do is let RSPB know your findings by visiting their official website. By participating, you are helping to improve future conservation strategies which will ensure our UK birds continue to thrive. For more information, visit RSPB's website by clicking here.
And that's all for now, everybody!
Don't forget to visit us here at Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre, where we are stocked up on all the essentials you'll need to keep the birds healthy this Winter. We have it all: bird foods, snacks, bird feeders, and more. If you need any further advice, our wonderful horticultural team is happy to help.
Explore our bird life range here at Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre.
Until next time!