The RSPB’s Feed the Birds Day takes place on Saturday 29 October 2011.
This special day reminds us about all the things we can do to help birds and other garden wildlife through the winter. This year, the RSPB is running lots of Feed the Birds Day events across the UK, both on the day and in the weeks leading up to it.
Birds really need your help as the clocks go back and the nights draw in. This year the RSPB is asking you to ‘Come Dine with the Birds’ and host your own wildlife garden party.
This special day reminds us about all the things we can do to help birds and other garden wildlife through the winter. This year, the RSPB is running lots of Feed the Birds Day events across the UK, both on the day and in the weeks leading up to it.
Birds really need your help as the clocks go back and the nights draw in. This year the RSPB is asking you to ‘Come Dine with the Birds’ and host your own wildlife garden party.
Five top tips to help you be a host to all kinds of wildlife in your garden
- Invite your guests and prepare the menu Work out who likes what, and prepare the best menu for all your guests. Mealworms, birdcake or seeds might not appeal to you, but your feathered friends will love them! You can ‘sit’ your guests at a table you’ve prepared with food, or attract insects, birds and other wildlife to your garden by planting wildlife-friendly plants which give nectar, seeds and fruit.
- A wide range of good quality ingredients are the key to your success
There’s a good range of ready-made bird food on sale, but lots you can grow yourself. Top quality food is available at www.rspbshop.co.uk and for ideas about how to provide food for free visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw
- Get the place ready Just as you’d spruce up your house for visitors, it’s a good idea to give feeders a good clean. Cleanliness is very important. On the other hand, don’t be too tidy in the garden – leaving seed heads on herbaceous plants through the winter can make a huge difference for birds like goldfinches, and allowing dead wood to rot in a shady spot will be a tremendous help to insects and amphibians. The birds will be grateful too.
- Drink is as important as food You wouldn’t have a dinner party without a sparkling glass of something next to the plate. Birds are just the same – but their favourite tipple is cheap and easy. Water every time! And unlike human dinner guests, they might also have a bath in it!
- A welcoming atmosphere Birds and other wildlife don’t need comfy sofas or flickering candles, but there are many things you can do to make them feel welcome, from bird and bat boxes to frog and hedgehog hideaways. And dense shrubs will make them feel at home, as they give shelter and nesting sites.
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