Winter Eh! Dark, Frost, Snow, Fog and Ice. These are a few hardships of the season, however in the Twenty First Century we humans survive quite easily and with comfort in our homes. Birds on the other hand have to live on their wits and skills. This is how we as enthusiasts can help them no matter how small the gesture.
Winter is now on us so lets see what can be done. First must be Food and Water, Birds need loads of energy to get through the Cold Days and Nights of Winter so foods such as table scraps preferably without salt, or any thing that might expand in the stomach. Bacon Rind, Bread Crumbs, Cake, Leftover Fruit, Raisins and Ground Up Nuts to name but a few good things. Some people might want to go a little bit further and buy Bird Food from a pet Shop or Bird Magazine.
BIRDCAKE RECIPIE
500g Dripping (NoSalt).
400g Porrage Oats.
200g Crushed nuts.
200g Sultanas/Raisins.
Heat dripping until liquid.
Slowly add the Oats, Nuts & Sultanas/Raisins.
Pour into container 10” x 10” x 2”deep.
Spread evenly & leave to set over night.
When solid cut into squares.
Mixed food for Wild Birds can be expensive but it is very well thought out and high in energy, so your giving the Birds a well balanced meal. Some mixed foods for Winter/Spring are: All Season Mix, Hi Energy Mix, Table Seed and Feeder Seed. You can also start adding Oyster Shell Grit to the seed to keep the Bids in good condition until the Eggs have hatched in the spring. There are many other ways to feed but lets keep it simple and don’t forget fresh clean water kept free of ice.
Dean Birders