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Snow way birds could survive this weather without our help
Last modified: 02 February 2009
Image: Adrian Thomas, RSPB
Garden birds are eating even more seed put out by sympathetic gardeners than ever in the freezing weather – showing just how important our supplementary feeding is.
Some gardeners are filling up feeders more than 5 times a day because hungry birds need to keep their energy intake high during the freezing temperatures.
Spare a thought
The RSPB is appealing to people to spare a thought for birds as it continues to snow.
Putting out extra food, keeping bird tables clean of snow and regularly changing water supplies are all essential for many garden birds’ survival during snowy weather.
'Food on bird tables and in feeders is a real lifeline in these kind of conditions and can literally keep them alive.'
Richard James, RSPB wildlife advisor, says: 'Lots of us can’t get to work today, so if you are at home, spending a few minutes clearing up bird tables or putting out food could mean the difference between life and death for some of our garden birds.'
Birds are unable to penetrate the ground to find worms and insects with thick snow cover, and berry-bearing shrubs and other natural food sources are practically invisible.
Food on bird tables and in feeders is a real lifeline in these kind of conditions and can literally keep them alive.
Gardener Dianne Rogers, 60, says: 'Yesterday alone I filled up my hanging feeder 5 times but there was no way I could have watched my sparrows and blue tits fly desperately towards it only to find it empty.
'It felt really good to watch them feasting on what I’d put out and I’ll definitely do the same for the next few days too.
How you can help
If you want to help the birds twice over by knowing you’re feeding top quality foods and using products overseen by our experts, RSPB Bird Care is for you.
Give your garden birds the best