We all know how important it is to keep your bird feeders topped up with food during the cold weather, but you've got to remember that water is vital too.

Some of your little furry friends' water sources may well have frozen, in which case providing clean, fresh water as regularly as possible would be ideal.

This bird bath is excellent value, made from lightweight weatherproof resin with a classic verdigris finish. Also available in a bronze colour.

http://tinyurl.com/bk77ma6

With the weather set to turn colder towards the end of the week, it is even more important you keep and eye on your birds and help them out as much as you can.

As you already know, your birds need all the help during the winter that they can get. Birds, unlike us, have several layers of fluffy down to ensure they are well insulated. However, with the weather not looking to warm up anytime soon, it is important you provide the best food to give them as their struggle for food becomes more apparent.

The smallest birds, like blue tits and goldcrests, have to effectively feed throughout the hours of daylight in winter and consume a vast quantity of food - as much as 30% of their body weight - to make sure they build the necessary fat reserves to get them through the long, cold nights.

During cold snaps, you will almost certainly notice more birds coming into your garden to seek sanctuary from the harsher environment in the countryside – particularly if you provide food on a regular basis. The variety of species may increase too and you may be lucky enough to attract unusual visitors such as blackcaps and bramblings.

Finding a regular source of high-energy food such as a garden feeding station is the equivalent of winning the lottery for wild birds and a well-stocked garden is a real lifesaver.

Foods such as the suet balls from the RSPB are perfect for the winter weather. They contain mealworm pieces that are added to the premium grade suet, sunflower seeds and cereals for extra flavour and nutrition. The versatility of this type of food is what makes it ideal for feeding in cold weather. Or how about trying something a bit different when the weather is cold but a little dryer? Our new table mix contains 10%more energy than standard table mix and has a higher calorific content. You can sprinkle it anywhere (providing you don’t mind a little mess), but perfect for any bird table.

 RSPB coconut suet treats

Alternatively if you don't have any of these to hand, porridge oats or sultanas would be a great substitution.

Finally, it is key that you provide your birds with fresh water as regularly as possible. Although the weather is turning your water may be turning icy, adding additions to the water to  melt the ice is not advised.

If you have any queries regarding the cold weather and what to do with your birds or need any other contact details, you can find the right person here.

I hope everyone has got that Friday feeling and enjoyed their first day week back after Christmas!

I want to leave you for the weekend thinking about one of the many yearly great things that the RSPB does. Big Garden Birdwatch is coming back around and needs your help. As Sarah Houghton, RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Manager, said;

‘Everyone who takes part in Big Garden Birdwatch is contributing to the World’s biggest wildlife survey and helping us learn more about some of our most familiar garden birds.'

By registering you can get hold of a free pack full of hints and tips for the perfect Birdwatch, plus we'll give you £5 off your next purchase on our online shop! Find out more here: http://tiny.cc/5ojcqw

We welcome your feedback.

We're always interested to know what you think about our products, our website, our stores and your shopping experience with the RSPB.
By finding out what works (and what doesn't) we can make sure we're giving you the best service.

If you've bought something from our online shop, why not post a review?

www.shopping.rspb.org.uk

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, I know everyone here did!

I would like to start off 2013 with something beautiful.

This photograph was taken by Claire Hartley and was runner up of our calendar competition for 2013.

Think you could take one just as good? Why not enter yourself for the 2014 calendar now.

All the information you could need is here!

Good luck.