Please help the birds to survive this winter

The winter of 2009/2010 has been the coldest for over 30 years in the South East. With the ground being covered in inches of snow, many species of birds are struggling to survive and find enough food to build up their body fat and strength. The Feeding Station, located by the lodge, has seen high numbers of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Chaffinches and Dunnocks coming to feed and we are keeping the feeders topped up. This week we have created another feeding area in Netley Meadow and within five minutes of the feeders going up, two Robins were feeding on the seed, showing us that natural food is in short supply.

Harsh winters can cause species numbers to drop, especially in species like Wren and Robin. Latest reports from the RSPB suggest that this cold spell could be the single greatest wildlife killer and in spring we may see fewer birds around, until numbers recover slowly.

You can help our feathered friends this winter by providing some food and shelter in your garden. Have you considered putting up a few feeders in your garden? Simply by providing some seed, peanuts or fat balls you could help some of the birds survive the cold winter. Make sure you keep the feeders clean and topped up. If you do provide fat balls please remove the green netting first, as some species can get their feet caught up in it.

Kitchen scraps like cooked rice, pasta and those Christmas mince pies you do not want to eat anymore of, are also good to feed the birds with. Water is also important and by putting out a shallow tray or a bird bath you can provide water for them to drink and bathe in. Please remember that the cold weather will make the water freeze, so keep replacing it often with a fresh supply.

You may think a bird box would only be used to nest in but by providing a bird box, this winter, it can provide a place for the birds to shelter in. In recent TV news six Wrens were found in just one box, trying to keep warm and out of the snow. With your help we can keep the birds alive this winter.

Whilst we have enough supplies for our feeding station at the moment, we would welcome anyone who wishes to kindly donate any seed or food. Please contact us via our website, if you can help.

Thank you. Ben Kirby - Vinters Valley Nature Reserve

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A Frozen World by Steve Songhurst (Reserve Warden). Please click here to read it