Stranded by snow? So feed the birds

PEOPLE stranded at home by the heavy snowfall are being asked to fill in some of the time on their hands ...by feeding the birds in their gardens.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has issued a nationwide appeal for people to stock up their bird feeders, keep their bird tables free from snow, and leave out drinking water to save the lives of millions of birds hard-hit by the big freeze.

“Some gardeners are filling up feeders more than five times a day because hungry birds need to keep their energy intake high during the freezing temperatures,” the RSPB continues.

“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.”

Richard James, RSPB wildlife advisor, says: “Lots of us can’t get to work today, so if you are at home, spending a few minutes clearing up bird tables or putting out food could mean the difference between life and death for some of our garden birds.”

Birds are unable to penetrate the ground to find worms and insects with thick snow cover, and berry-bearing shrubs and other natural food sources are practically invisible.