• Editor's Choice
  • New Gear & Tech
    • A closer look at SWAROVSKI OPTIK's CL Pocket compact binoculars for wildlife watching on the fly
    • Country Innovation Mendip Jackets to finally hit the shops next month after a 2 year wait
    • New compact binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK released for those looking for a lightweight travel companion
    • Learn more about Digiscoping and Phonescoping wildlife
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK offers new accessories for customers with the launch of their gear collection
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces largest objective module ever made for wildlife watchers
    • OXAZ unveils OVERCAP - the World's first rigid, all-weather removable hood for wildlife watchers
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces new NL Pure binoculars - bringing new levels of performance and comfort for wildlife watchers
    • Experience wildlife in fabulous detail with your whole family using these Kowa garden sets
    • The lowdown on Kowa's BDII-HD wide angle binoculars
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK changes the game of animal identification with release of their digital guide and mammals ID app
    • Canon launches two new practical pairs of binoculars including the world's lightest binoculars with image stabilisation technology
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK have released an updated version of their popular digiscoping adapter for iPhone 8 owners
  • News & Features
    • In Your Garden >
      • Innovative 'smart' nest box to launch kickstarter campaign
      • Wake up to wildlife with the new Big Wild Breakfast on June 1 which kicks off the 30 Days Wild Challenge!
      • Walk for wildlife this autumn!
      • Are bats spreading the coronavirus? This and other similar questions debunked by industry expert
      • 7 simple tips on how to improve your gardens for hedgehogs safety and wellbeing
      • New ‘wild’ home learning hub helps parents be fun science teachers
      • Online nature activities to help you get through Covid-19 lockdown
      • Birds of a feather get hot in this weather
      • 30 Days Wild returns for a fabulous fifth year
      • Proof that feeding garden birds has led to population increases in over 30 species since the 1970's
      • Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
      • Five essential things to look for when choosing a nest box for outside your home or garden
      • Top tips to help your garden birds survive winter
    • Nature Reserves >
      • Good news! The Wildlife Trusts are to receive nearly £2 million to restore land for nature and tackle climate change
      • WWT to re-open 6 wetland centres in England after Covid-19 crisis
      • Start 2019 in style with a trip to one of these famous five nature reserves
      • The annual ‘swanfall’ at WWT Slimbridge has started with a flurry of Bewick’s swans arriving for the winter
      • Where can you watch owls in the UK? Plan your trip with Wildlife24/7's six best places to watch owls this winter
      • A starling spectacular!
      • Eels at WWT reserve being microchipped to track movements of a species on the brink
      • Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney
    • Bugs >
      • New online tool opens up the world of bats, bush-crickets and small mammals
    • Birds >
      • >> Birding247.co.uk
      • BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour this autumn and winter
      • The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) competition has announced the 2018 winners
    • Mammals >
      • 2021 will be a record year for Beaver releases in Britain
      • One of Britain's rarest mammals returns to Forest of Dean
    • Marine >
      • Easing of Covid restrictions in 2020 produced once in a lifetime wildlife watching opportunities for UK's population
      • Get ready to dive into National Marine Week 2019!
      • Shoresearch: new project launches to help count marine life on UK shores
    • Travel >
      • Safari
      • Islands
      • Oceans
      • Europe
      • South America
      • UK & Ireland
      • Survival & Awareness
  • Conservation
    • HS2 - new report details vast scale of destruction and impact to nature
    • New film from Sir David Attenborough and The Wildlife Trusts calls for nature’s recovery
    • UK's wildlife continues to decline according to new state of nature report
    • UK Government considering badger cull in new areas
    • Wetnose Day Announce Amanda Holden as the Animal Loving Celebrity for Wetnose Day 2019!
    • Stars speak up for wildlife in new film trailer hitting cinemas this weekend
    • Swifts are in need of our help as numbers halve in just 20 years
    • The Wildlife Trusts condemn HS2 phase 2B draft environmental statement - impact on wild plants and animals will be devastating
    • It could become legal to kill wild barnacle geese in the UK in the near future, if a proposal by Norway to the EU is adopted
    • Major project to safeguard Orkney’s internationally important native wildlife wins National Lottery and LIFE support
    • Kate Humble becomes new President of WWT
  • Photography & Video
    • Equipment Reviews >
      • Gitzo's new 2 way fluid tripod head for wildlife observers using medium-sized scopes and camera lenses up to 200mm
    • Technique & Insights >
      • Chris Fallows: Ocean, Earth and Air - in his own words
    • Contests >
      • The Wall Of Fame 2019 Wildlife Photography Competition - Winner
      • Wall OF Fame 2019 Powered by SWAROVSKI OPTIK
      • Celebrate the magic of the UK’s wildlife with the new Back from the Brink Film and Photography Competition
Wildlife247.co.uk
  • Editor's Choice
  • New Gear & Tech
    • A closer look at SWAROVSKI OPTIK's CL Pocket compact binoculars for wildlife watching on the fly
    • Country Innovation Mendip Jackets to finally hit the shops next month after a 2 year wait
    • New compact binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK released for those looking for a lightweight travel companion
    • Learn more about Digiscoping and Phonescoping wildlife
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK offers new accessories for customers with the launch of their gear collection
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces largest objective module ever made for wildlife watchers
    • OXAZ unveils OVERCAP - the World's first rigid, all-weather removable hood for wildlife watchers
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces new NL Pure binoculars - bringing new levels of performance and comfort for wildlife watchers
    • Experience wildlife in fabulous detail with your whole family using these Kowa garden sets
    • The lowdown on Kowa's BDII-HD wide angle binoculars
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK changes the game of animal identification with release of their digital guide and mammals ID app
    • Canon launches two new practical pairs of binoculars including the world's lightest binoculars with image stabilisation technology
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK have released an updated version of their popular digiscoping adapter for iPhone 8 owners
  • News & Features
    • In Your Garden >
      • Innovative 'smart' nest box to launch kickstarter campaign
      • Wake up to wildlife with the new Big Wild Breakfast on June 1 which kicks off the 30 Days Wild Challenge!
      • Walk for wildlife this autumn!
      • Are bats spreading the coronavirus? This and other similar questions debunked by industry expert
      • 7 simple tips on how to improve your gardens for hedgehogs safety and wellbeing
      • New ‘wild’ home learning hub helps parents be fun science teachers
      • Online nature activities to help you get through Covid-19 lockdown
      • Birds of a feather get hot in this weather
      • 30 Days Wild returns for a fabulous fifth year
      • Proof that feeding garden birds has led to population increases in over 30 species since the 1970's
      • Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
      • Five essential things to look for when choosing a nest box for outside your home or garden
      • Top tips to help your garden birds survive winter
    • Nature Reserves >
      • Good news! The Wildlife Trusts are to receive nearly £2 million to restore land for nature and tackle climate change
      • WWT to re-open 6 wetland centres in England after Covid-19 crisis
      • Start 2019 in style with a trip to one of these famous five nature reserves
      • The annual ‘swanfall’ at WWT Slimbridge has started with a flurry of Bewick’s swans arriving for the winter
      • Where can you watch owls in the UK? Plan your trip with Wildlife24/7's six best places to watch owls this winter
      • A starling spectacular!
      • Eels at WWT reserve being microchipped to track movements of a species on the brink
      • Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney
    • Bugs >
      • New online tool opens up the world of bats, bush-crickets and small mammals
    • Birds >
      • >> Birding247.co.uk
      • BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour this autumn and winter
      • The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) competition has announced the 2018 winners
    • Mammals >
      • 2021 will be a record year for Beaver releases in Britain
      • One of Britain's rarest mammals returns to Forest of Dean
    • Marine >
      • Easing of Covid restrictions in 2020 produced once in a lifetime wildlife watching opportunities for UK's population
      • Get ready to dive into National Marine Week 2019!
      • Shoresearch: new project launches to help count marine life on UK shores
    • Travel >
      • Safari
      • Islands
      • Oceans
      • Europe
      • South America
      • UK & Ireland
      • Survival & Awareness
  • Conservation
    • HS2 - new report details vast scale of destruction and impact to nature
    • New film from Sir David Attenborough and The Wildlife Trusts calls for nature’s recovery
    • UK's wildlife continues to decline according to new state of nature report
    • UK Government considering badger cull in new areas
    • Wetnose Day Announce Amanda Holden as the Animal Loving Celebrity for Wetnose Day 2019!
    • Stars speak up for wildlife in new film trailer hitting cinemas this weekend
    • Swifts are in need of our help as numbers halve in just 20 years
    • The Wildlife Trusts condemn HS2 phase 2B draft environmental statement - impact on wild plants and animals will be devastating
    • It could become legal to kill wild barnacle geese in the UK in the near future, if a proposal by Norway to the EU is adopted
    • Major project to safeguard Orkney’s internationally important native wildlife wins National Lottery and LIFE support
    • Kate Humble becomes new President of WWT
  • Photography & Video
    • Equipment Reviews >
      • Gitzo's new 2 way fluid tripod head for wildlife observers using medium-sized scopes and camera lenses up to 200mm
    • Technique & Insights >
      • Chris Fallows: Ocean, Earth and Air - in his own words
    • Contests >
      • The Wall Of Fame 2019 Wildlife Photography Competition - Winner
      • Wall OF Fame 2019 Powered by SWAROVSKI OPTIK
      • Celebrate the magic of the UK’s wildlife with the new Back from the Brink Film and Photography Competition
Picture
Advertisement

Top tips to help your garden birds survive winter


​19 November 2018
Picture
Robin feeding on fruity suet balls by Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)
After benefitting from a mild autumn, the birds in your garden will start to struggle during the winter months that lie ahead.  The UK countryside will become bare as natural resources dwindle, but more energy is needed just to keep warm and the short days leave less time to find something to eat.

So what can you do to help? Below you will find some helpful advice and tips courtesy of our friends at the RSPB.

RSPB Wildlife Advisor, Charlotte Ambrose: “Up until now birds have been able to feed on insects and seeds, but the cold weather means they move into our gardens to find refuge. You can make a real difference and improve their chances of survival, as well as being rewarded by great views of wildlife in your garden or outside space.”

  • Make it full fat: Birds need high-energy foods such as suet balls or cakes during the cold weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. These are excellent winter foods and can be bought or homemade with lard or suet as a fun children’s activity.
 
  • Top seed: Sunflower seeds are also high in fat – the oil content is higher in black than striped ones, and so they are much better. Sunflower hearts (the husked kernels) are a popular no-mess food. Small black nyjer seeds are a favourite of goldfinches and siskins, though you will need a special feeder as they are particularly small. Avoid bird food mixtures with large amounts of wheat, barley grains, split peas, beans, dried rice or lentils. These are added to some cheaper seed mixes to bulk them up but only attract the larger birds such as pigeons and doves. The better mixtures contain plenty of naked oats, sunflower seeds, and suet pieces.
 
  • Save nature while shopping: Some bird food contains palm oil so check with your shop or supplier. Keep an eye out for the ‘Fair to Nature’ label – any seeds which have this label are grown by farmers who put aside at least 10% of their land for wildlife conservation.
 
  • Go nuts for peanuts: Siskins, tits and nuthatches love peanuts but make sure they’re fed from a stainless-steel mesh feeder. This will help stop squirrels and woodpeckers from destroying the feeder to get to the nuts! Peanuts can also contain a natural toxin which can kill birds so make sure you buy them from a reputable trader. Never give dry roasted or salted nuts.
 
  • Spare some scraps: You don’t have to buy food in specially. Kitchen scraps like mild grated cheese, old fruit, cooked rice, unsalted bits of fat, roast potatoes and raw porridge oats will all be gratefully received. Dried fruits, such as raisins, sultanas and currants are particularly enjoyed by blackbirds, song thrushes and robins. Some dogs and cats can react badly to these fruits so please put them out of reach from these animals.
 
  • No thank you! There are some foods you should avoid as they can be dangerous for birds. Cooking fat from the roast or Christmas turkey mixes with meat juices during cooking to make a runny, greasy mixture. This sticks to feathers and stops them from being waterproof. Others to avoid are dried coconut, cooked porridge oats, milk, and mouldy or salted food.
 
  • Fresh is best: Another essential is fresh water for drinking and bathing. Finding sources of water can be hard with freezing temperatures, but there’s a simple trick which will help keep a patch of water ice-free. Float a small ball, such as a ping-pong ball, on the surface of the water and even a light breeze will stop it from freezing over.
 
  • Hide in a hedge: Providing shelter from the harsh weather is extremely important. Plant dense hedges such as wild privet or field maple and you’ll be providing a great place to roost in and shelter from the elements. Letting ivy, holly and hawthorn grow will also give a great source of winter berries for hungry birds!
 
  • Warmth is key: Nestboxes are not just used over the summer egg-laying season – many birds will use them on a cold winter’s night. These boxes are frequently communal with many residents packing in together for extra warmth. The record number of birds found in one box is 63 wrens!

Ensuring your garden is filled with food now will also improve your chances of having a successful Big Garden Birdwatch. The RSPB’s annual event runs from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 January 2019. To take part, all you need to do is spend one hour at any time over that weekend noting the number of feathered visitors to your garden or nearby park. You can sign up for this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch from 12 December.

Learn more: rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Picture
Advertisement
Next article: Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney​
​
Next article: 
BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour this autumn and winter
​
Next article: Eels are being microchipped to track movements of a species on the brink
Picture
Copyright © 2021, ActivelyOutdoors Ltd.
Made and published with 💚by ActivelyOutdoors 
Privacy Policy  / Terms & Conditions  / Contact & Brand Promotions
  • Editor's Choice
  • New Gear & Tech
    • A closer look at SWAROVSKI OPTIK's CL Pocket compact binoculars for wildlife watching on the fly
    • Country Innovation Mendip Jackets to finally hit the shops next month after a 2 year wait
    • New compact binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK released for those looking for a lightweight travel companion
    • Learn more about Digiscoping and Phonescoping wildlife
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK offers new accessories for customers with the launch of their gear collection
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces largest objective module ever made for wildlife watchers
    • OXAZ unveils OVERCAP - the World's first rigid, all-weather removable hood for wildlife watchers
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces new NL Pure binoculars - bringing new levels of performance and comfort for wildlife watchers
    • Experience wildlife in fabulous detail with your whole family using these Kowa garden sets
    • The lowdown on Kowa's BDII-HD wide angle binoculars
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK changes the game of animal identification with release of their digital guide and mammals ID app
    • Canon launches two new practical pairs of binoculars including the world's lightest binoculars with image stabilisation technology
    • SWAROVSKI OPTIK have released an updated version of their popular digiscoping adapter for iPhone 8 owners
  • News & Features
    • In Your Garden >
      • Innovative 'smart' nest box to launch kickstarter campaign
      • Wake up to wildlife with the new Big Wild Breakfast on June 1 which kicks off the 30 Days Wild Challenge!
      • Walk for wildlife this autumn!
      • Are bats spreading the coronavirus? This and other similar questions debunked by industry expert
      • 7 simple tips on how to improve your gardens for hedgehogs safety and wellbeing
      • New ‘wild’ home learning hub helps parents be fun science teachers
      • Online nature activities to help you get through Covid-19 lockdown
      • Birds of a feather get hot in this weather
      • 30 Days Wild returns for a fabulous fifth year
      • Proof that feeding garden birds has led to population increases in over 30 species since the 1970's
      • Five of our favourite springtime wildlife sights and sounds
      • Five essential things to look for when choosing a nest box for outside your home or garden
      • Top tips to help your garden birds survive winter
    • Nature Reserves >
      • Good news! The Wildlife Trusts are to receive nearly £2 million to restore land for nature and tackle climate change
      • WWT to re-open 6 wetland centres in England after Covid-19 crisis
      • Start 2019 in style with a trip to one of these famous five nature reserves
      • The annual ‘swanfall’ at WWT Slimbridge has started with a flurry of Bewick’s swans arriving for the winter
      • Where can you watch owls in the UK? Plan your trip with Wildlife24/7's six best places to watch owls this winter
      • A starling spectacular!
      • Eels at WWT reserve being microchipped to track movements of a species on the brink
      • Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney
    • Bugs >
      • New online tool opens up the world of bats, bush-crickets and small mammals
    • Birds >
      • >> Birding247.co.uk
      • BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour this autumn and winter
      • The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) competition has announced the 2018 winners
    • Mammals >
      • 2021 will be a record year for Beaver releases in Britain
      • One of Britain's rarest mammals returns to Forest of Dean
    • Marine >
      • Easing of Covid restrictions in 2020 produced once in a lifetime wildlife watching opportunities for UK's population
      • Get ready to dive into National Marine Week 2019!
      • Shoresearch: new project launches to help count marine life on UK shores
    • Travel >
      • Safari
      • Islands
      • Oceans
      • Europe
      • South America
      • UK & Ireland
      • Survival & Awareness
  • Conservation
    • HS2 - new report details vast scale of destruction and impact to nature
    • New film from Sir David Attenborough and The Wildlife Trusts calls for nature’s recovery
    • UK's wildlife continues to decline according to new state of nature report
    • UK Government considering badger cull in new areas
    • Wetnose Day Announce Amanda Holden as the Animal Loving Celebrity for Wetnose Day 2019!
    • Stars speak up for wildlife in new film trailer hitting cinemas this weekend
    • Swifts are in need of our help as numbers halve in just 20 years
    • The Wildlife Trusts condemn HS2 phase 2B draft environmental statement - impact on wild plants and animals will be devastating
    • It could become legal to kill wild barnacle geese in the UK in the near future, if a proposal by Norway to the EU is adopted
    • Major project to safeguard Orkney’s internationally important native wildlife wins National Lottery and LIFE support
    • Kate Humble becomes new President of WWT
  • Photography & Video
    • Equipment Reviews >
      • Gitzo's new 2 way fluid tripod head for wildlife observers using medium-sized scopes and camera lenses up to 200mm
    • Technique & Insights >
      • Chris Fallows: Ocean, Earth and Air - in his own words
    • Contests >
      • The Wall Of Fame 2019 Wildlife Photography Competition - Winner
      • Wall OF Fame 2019 Powered by SWAROVSKI OPTIK
      • Celebrate the magic of the UK’s wildlife with the new Back from the Brink Film and Photography Competition