PRESS RELEASE

6th November 2007

With a Little Help from our Friends

As the winter nights draw closer and the air turns cooler, spare a thought for our feathered friends as they forage for food in the frosty weather.

Birds are increasingly at risk from the elements and, as the coldest time of the year approaches, common species such as the house sparrow, starling, blue tit and robin need a helping hand in their quest for food.

Around 60% of the UK’s population are regularly feeding the birds in their gardens during winter, and now November upon us, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is encouraging even more people to help.

Sue Tatman, Wildlife Gardening Officer for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, says: “As winter advances birds find it harder to find food: insects disappear, autumn fruits wither away and on frosty days the ground is too hard to probe for worms. Many of our birds migrate south for the winter months, but the remainder need our help”

“In icy cold weather a small bird such as a blue tit needs to find a third of its own weight in food each day just to stay alive. Putting out extra food for them can help them survive the winter.”

As well as helping to feed the birds, it is important to provide a source of water as natural springs and ponds freeze over in the colder climate.

Sue adds: “There are lots of different foods that common garden birds will enjoy in the winter. By feeding them and providing water, you will not just be showing you care, but will also be getting an insight into wildlife right on your doorstep.”

Feeding Frenzy: Top Bird Feeding Tips

• High energy foods such as nuts and seeds are perfect for most birds and can be placed in different places, from branches to bird tables.
• Fat blocks are a concentrated energy source, appreciated by many species.
• Avoid feeding spicy or salty foods to our feathered friends. Cake, bread crumbs, cooked rice and leftovers that are still fresh are acceptable sustenance.
• Halved apples left out on bird tables or the ground are perfect for thrushes and blackbirds.
• Bird seed mixtures, sunflower seeds and mealworms are all available from local pet stores.
• Old plastic ice cream tubs are perfect for providing a simple provision of water.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is a partner with Vine House Farm bird foods, for more advice about feeding the birds in winter visit its comprehensive website www.vinehousefarm.co.uk

To receive a free catalogue through the post please contact Allan Stubbs at Cheshire Wildlife Trust on 01948 820728.

Ends