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People of Surrey - your garden birds need you this winterLast modified: 20 October 2009
The RSPB’s Feed The Birds Day which falls on 24th October, marking the turning back of clocks and start of winter, is a reminder to people that garden wildlife needs our help more than ever at this time of year. In harsh winters, birds like blackbirds, song thrushes, and even exotic waxwings – seasonal visitors from Scandinavia – come closer to our gardens in a search for food. Our homes and gardens are great places to watch and conserve wildlife. In even the smallest space you can provide a haven for birds, insects and mammals at a time when they need a boost to their available food. Those who get involved can hope to see a rapid jump in the number of birds visiting their garden, no matter what size it is. Richard Bashford, Feed The Birds Day manager, said: “We think that everyone will easily be able to find something they can do to help birds regardless of the outdoor space they have. It doesn’t matter if it’s a large or a small garden, community garden, balcony or allotment, there are options for everyone.” Feeders and bird tables can be topped up with calorie-rich foods such as nyger seed to help goldfinches; mixed seed will help house sparrows; and fruit will help blackbirds. Even putting out kitchen scraps such as grated cheese will help wrens and cooked/uncooked unsalted bacon will be enjoyed by blue tits. Autumn is also a great time to put in plants that are good for wildlife such as a berry bearing shrub or a fruit tree. Once mature, rowan, holly and apple trees will be a great source of food for birds such as blackbirds, and thrushes, while robins and starlings will feast on the insects that thrive on them. And if you plan ahead now and introduce insect-attracting plants such as goat willow, dog rose, honeysuckle and ivy, you will be helping the birds come springtime. House sparrows, for instance, rely on a healthy supply of insects to raise their young. Over the last 25 years, house sparrows have declined by over 60%, and it’s thought a shortage of this insect food may be to blame. Planting nectar-rich flowers and shrubs may help house sparrows successfully raise their young. Chris Packham, RSPB Vice President and BBC Springwatch presenter said: “What I love about feeding birds is you can see the good you are doing. The way the birds will just pile into your garden looking for food tells you how important it is to them. It makes me feel good about myself, knowing I could be helping a bird survive the winter and go onto to raise chicks next year. It is a nice feeling. I recommend it.” The RSPB’s Homes for Wildlife offers a wide range of ideas for people who would like to manage their homes and gardens for the benefit of wildlife. If you register for Homes for Wildlife online, and tell us what your garden is like, you'll receive tailored advice and newsletters. Visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw for details. You can find out more about feeding birds in your garden by coming along to one of the many events happening. Farnham Heath RSPB Reserve will be holding a 'Birds' tastiest treats' trail and you can make apple feeders to take home. Meet at the Rural Life Centre from 10.30am – 3.30pm. -ends-
Top five wildlife gardening tips: - plant native plants such as hawthorn, ivy and honeysuckle that will provide berries in the winter for adult birds, and insects for young birds in spring - make a log pile – it will be the ideal place for insects, fungi, mosses and lichens - provide an insect home – insects will spend the winter in these - install nesting boxes for birds such as sparrows, winter hibernation places for hedgehogs, and roosting boxes for bats - create a water feature such as a pond or bog garden as much wildlife relies on a regular supply of freshwater
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Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)