Over the weekend some of us will have woken up to see our cars white over with frost, a real sign that winter is truly on it’s way. For many, that means preparing for Christmas, but don’t forget about the wild birds which visit your garden, who will suffer through the cold winter months. Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, who may struggle to find food or water in freezing conditions, which is why it’s so important to give them a helping hand. A news article from the BBC lists a garden bird survival plan from the RSPB, which looks at ways you can help wild birds through the winter.   “Garden Bird Survival Plan:

• Put out feed regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high-calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and porridge oats.
• Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.
• Ensure a supply of fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water, but do not use any antifreeze products.
• Put out fruit such as apples and pears for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.
• Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is great for treecreepers, goldcrests and many other species.
• Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year.”

Source: BBC Norfolk: How to look after garden birds during the winter Here at Gardening Delights we have an extensive range of birdcare products, such as bird feeders, bird dishes and nesting boxes.   Bird Feeders We have a large selection of hanging bird feeders, which all come with a chain allowing you to securely attach it to something sturdy such as a tree, fence or a wall. For the more creative amongst you, we also have a Build Your Own Bird Feeder Gift in a Tin, which would make a great gift for someone this Christmas. Simply attach your bird feeder to something sturdy and fill it with food and then sit back and watch as birds flock to your garden.   Bird Boxes We have a range of pretty and unusual bird boxes and bird houses which will not only provide somewhere snug for birds to nest, but brighten up your garden. If you want to take care of feeding birds and providing them with a cosy home at the same time, we have an all in one Nesting Box and Bird Feeder, which features a nesting box in the upper part and a bird feeder in the lower part.   Helpful tips for bird box and bird feeder placement As we mentioned in a blog post about bird boxes, feeders and bird houses earlier in the year, there are some things you need to take into consideration when placing your bird box or bird house.

• Ensure they’re securely attached to a tree, wall or fence at least 1.5M off the ground, which will help to keep them safe from predators.
• Make sure there’s nothing they could hit during high wind which may damage the feeder or house.
• Clean bird feeders out regularly to keep your feathered friends safe from any harmful microbes or parasites.
• Bird boxes and houses should be cleaned out at the end of each season, again to keep birds safe from microbes or parasites.

  Visit our birdcare section to look at our selection of bird feeders, dishes and houses and start helping wild birds get through the winter.