Help our little feathered friends through winter by feeding them.  Now that there isn’t much natural habitat left for birds, there is also not enough food for them.  You will be rewarded by having lots of eager visitors to watch in your garden.

Buy a bird feeder or two (more if you have a bigger garden) and fill them full of bird seed and peanuts.

Make a bird feeder
Treat your local birds to this simply and sleekly designed “open bar”. All you need is some wood, a hook, some wire and a glass bottle with a screw cap.

Be sure to hang your bird feeder somewhere peaceful, sheltered and away from cats.

Full instructions for the bird feeder can be found at esprit cabane.

bird feeder [esprit cabane]

Share and share alike

Birds are quite partial to a bit of Christmas dinner, so here’s one way to get rid of the leftovers. Here’s what to share and what not to share, according to the RSPB:

• Fat. Only from unsalted cuts of meat, i.e. not from a ham. Put it out in a large piece for the little birds to pick at, and be sure to anchor it down to be sure that a large bird doesn’t make off with it. Nail it down if necessary.
• Roast potatoes. Once they’re cool, cut them open for birds to enjoy the fluffy insides.
• Vegetables. Cold brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips are popular. Don’t put out more than what can be eaten in one day or you may attract rats.
• Fruit. Excess or bruised apples, pears or other fruit. Cut up and leave out.
• Pastry. Cooked or uncooked are both good bird food, especially if made with real fats.
• Cheese. Small pieces of hard cheese, but nothing to strong and no blue cheese.
• Dried fruit. Raisins, sultanas and currants are all good.
• Biscuits and cakes. Stale cake and crumbs from the bottom of the biscuit tin are all full of fat and good for getting birds through the winter.