We can dream and we can plan. But how about actively helping the birds get through the winter months? It's a popular, cheap and rewarding pastime for all.
Birds will only come to your gardens if they feel safe. Besides the risk of starving in the co
ld, birds are at risk from predatory cats.
Different birds like different foods - rather like people.
Put your feeders where the birds have good visibility, and ideally where they can fly off into hidden shrub cover if the need arises.
Regular feeding is essential, and so is water for washing and drinking.
Birds enjoy splashing themselves clean, but are subject to germs and diseases just as humans so hygiene is important. Blackbirds do reasonably well through the winter as they vary their diet to the hedgerow berries available.
Blackbirds and Redwings enjoy eating holly berries around now.
Goldfinch enjoy nyjer seeds. Hanging feeders suspended from trees are loved by blue tits.
Lots of bird species enjoy cooked rice leftovers. You can also buy bird food at our local garden centre.
Children (and grown up children at heart!) can cook up a tasty treat of fat balls or fat cakes for the birds.
The main ingredient is cooking fat with cereals and seeds added.
Discarded yoghurt pots can be used for moulds with string hangers.
You can find bird food advice on the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk
With regulars visitors to your backyard or garden, you can enjoy a free and delightful scene.
For keen gardeners, there is hope that some birds will return to eat slugs come summer.
- Todmorden in Bloom group wish you a Happy New Year and plenty of good gardening for 2010.
The bulb shoots are already there in waiting! For further information please see www.todmordeninbloom.ik.com
