Feeding birds during winter

Posted on 30. Nov, 2010 by Lily in Environment, Home and Garden

The sudden onset of winter and the snow and ice has been a surprise to all of us. But spare a thought to all our birds, they will need some help during the coming winter months including the next few days. As the cold spell kicks in our birds need support. Many people aren’t sure what to feed them however you can find a whole range of advice on the RSPB’s website .

Snow hides natural food supplies therefore it is an important time for them to find a source of nutrition. Birds can’t store lots of fat like other animals do in winter and often cannot last more than 24 hours without eating in severe weather,  they need to restock their food supplies every day.

You don’t have to buy expensive bird food. Why not try to make your own bird cake to put in coconut shells and hang them up on tree branches. It’s fairly straight forward.

Step one:

Melt gently half a pack of unused lard or suet (don’t use fat from roasting dishes or tins) in a large pan.

Step two:

Once the lard has melted add nuts, dried fruit, oatmeal, seeds, cake crumbs or dried bread flakes mix throughly (make sure you don’t use salted nuts).

Step three:

Place the mixture into the empty coconut shells and pack it in tightly with the back of the spoon and pat until smooth.

Step four:

Then leave to set before hanging it out onto a tree.

Don’t forget to leave them fresh water to drink too.

Remember try and hang it up high well out of reach of the local cats.

Tags: Birds, RSPB