According to the charity Saving SongBirds (songbird-survival.org.uk), hard winters can have a greater effect on the numbers of British songbirds than pesticides or any other human influence. They are urging us to remember to put food out for small birds like robins, wrens, bullfinches, tree sparrows and song thrushes in this wintry weather.
The plea, issued on 20th December 2010 urges the public to help protect their favorite birds. “Some species may be in danger of near extinction as a result of the cold spell,” said Clive Sherwood, the chairman of SongBird Survival. “The smaller birds weigh only an ounce and they just cannot maintain their body heat. We would urge people to put out high calorie food for them,” he said.
As Britain’s great freeze continues, fears are growing, particularly for small songbirds. According to Songbird Survival, this winter draws parallels with the winter of 1963 when over 80% of the UK’s wren population died.
The charity have joined social networking site Twitter to encourage young people to care for small birds like robins and wrens. "We wanted to reach a younger generation to make them aware of the massive problems facing songbirds this winter,” said Mr Sherwood.
The RSPB (rspb.org.uk) are also urging people to spare a thought for birds as the wintry weather continues. They say that the birds need our help to survive the current cold snap. "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. Food on bird tables and in feeders is a real lifeline in these kind of conditions and can literally keep them alive," says Richard James, RSPB wildlife advisor. If there is snow on the ground, clear small areas before putting down the food, they advise.
Wild birds must find enough food to build and maintain adequate fat supplies over winter to burn as energy. The food and water we provide can be the difference between life and death in many cases say the RSPB.
The plea comes as Britain continues to experience several inches of snow and the extreme temperatures look set to continue. “When temperatures fall below freezing, our birds struggle to find the food they need to survive the winter in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring,” they say.
If you want to find out more about how to feed the birds and what sort of food to provide, visit the RSPB website for advice.
Josie Budd - Hi, I am a writer, personal growth blogger, photographer, meditator and mother based in Glastonbury, UK. As a writer and science graduate, ...
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