FEBRUARY 9, 2009: The RSPB is urging people to consider the needs of garden birds duringthe current spell of snowy weather and freezing temperatures.
Sympathetic gardeners are already putting out extra seed as hungry birds need supplementary feeding to maintain a high energy intake. Some people are filling up feeders more than five times a day, the RSPB says.Food on bird tables and in feeders is a ‘real lifeline’ in the current wintery conditions, it explains. Thick snow cover means birds are unable to penetrate the ground to reach worms and insects while berry-bearing shrubs and other natural food sources become almost invisible.‘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,’ the RSPB says.
