So far the UK winter has been fairly tame, with temperatures finally expected to fall and snow also forecast for the coming week. That change has led experts to call for people to spare a thought for the avian visitors still frequenting gardens at this time of year. Even during the colder months, UK gardens teem with wildlife, enduring rather than eschewing the British winter.
A variety of familiar birds choose to brave the scarcity of food instead of migrating to more forgiving climates. Robins, etched into the fabric of Christmas iconography, persist through the winter, jostling with other species to safeguard their domains and secure food.
Garden guru Richard Jackson observed: "Robins are one of our charismatic winter birds. Easily recognisable, the friendly robin is a great asset in our winter gardens and has been hailed as the UK's favourite bird."
He further elaborated, describing their resilience: "In the bleak midwinter, our garden friend the robin shadows our every move in the garden. His tomato red breast shines like a beacon in the cold winter light as he hops and chirrups around as we potter around the winter garden."
Emphasising their struggle, Jackson noted the fierce territorial nature of these creatures: "These pretty little birds are hugely territorial. In order to survive they need to protect and retain their patch, especially if there's a garden rich in bird food or a friendly human providing some sustenance," reports the Express.
Similarly, blackbirds remain in the gardens across Britain but confront difficulties in finding enough food. Compounding their plight, a virus has affected their populations in England.
The British Trust for Ornithology has raised concerns over the dwindling numbers of blackbirds, attributing the decline to the emergence of the Usutu virus in the UK, a mosquito-borne disease that can prove deadly to these birds. Magpies are also set to remain in the country throughout December instead of seeking warmer climates.
Ark Wildlife praised the intelligence of magpies, noting: "Magpies are one of the most intelligent birds (and animals! ) ever to exist. They have a good long-term memory and they can recall faces. And they're savvy enough to hoard food when it's in plentiful supply. As predators, they eat young birds (as most corvid species do), but this doesn't seem to affect bird population trends.
"Magpies are non-migratory birds and will rarely travel more than 20km from where they were born. These birds are highly resourceful and spend their winters eating wild berries and seeds along with foraging for other food scraps."
To support different bird species, varied approaches are recommended. Both robins and blackbirds will happily feed on nuts, seeds, suet, or mealworms from bird feeders.
Magpies, however, are pickier and prefer to dine from a flat dish or bird table rather than a feeder. To deter squirrels from pilfering the magpies' meals, it's suggested to sprinkle something spicy on the food, which the birds will enjoy but will discourage the squirrels.
The RSPB has issued guidance for those looking to support birds through the colder months, advising: "Put out bird food and water on a regular basis through autumn and winter. In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily. Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather."
They stress the importance of consistent feeding routines, saying: "Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up. Once you have a feeding routine, try not to change it as birds will become used to it."
The RSPCA also chimed in with advice for bird-friendly gardens, emphasizing: "Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions, so ensure they always have access to plenty of food and fresh water and make sure their water doesn't freeze over."
