Our feathered friends need a helping hand over the winter months when food is scarce. Feeding birds in your garden will attract birds to watch through the window and to keep you entertained while you’re shut away inside away from the cold. If you have children, caring for the birds is a great way of bringing nature in closer, especially in cities and towns. It is a very rewarding activity for adults and children alike, and for children it may even help develop a lifetime love of nature.

There are a multitude of bird feeders available. I particularly like the one pictured that attaches to a window of your home (this would be ideal if you live in a flat without a garden).

What to feed the birds?

1. Bird seed mixtures available from supermarkets, garden centres and pet shops.

2. Peanuts (these must be raw and unsalted).

3. Fat balls and bird cakes.

4. Mealworms available from garden centres.

5. Cooked rice.

6. Uncooked oatmeal.

7. Peanut butter.

Don’t forget to put some water out for the birds too. Their regular water sources may have frozen over in cold weather.