Don't Forget the Birds.

[kentvegplot]

In the cold snap beforeXmas, the birds stripped all the berries around us so there's nothing left now, hence it's even more important for us to feed them.

I'm going to do the raisins thing in the morning - they've had apple today and it went really quickly.

[SueA]

I've been going out during today throwing handfuls of dried mealworms onto the snow & then having to go out again when they've been buried under the snow after half an hour. I've put some in a hanging feeder as well though & have seen the robin hopping onto there. I put a bowl of water out too as I've given up keep trying to thaw out the pond for them as they usually drink from there.

[seasprout]

I've been going out during today throwing handfuls of dried mealworms onto the snow & then having to go out again when they've been buried under the snow after half an hour. I've put some in a hanging feeder as well though & have seen the robin hopping onto there. I put a bowl of water out too as I've given up keep trying to thaw out the pond for them as they usually drink from there.

May I recommend soaking your dried Meal worms 1st.

[seasprout]

Freezing Birds.

Here is recent advise from the RSPB for looking after the Birds in this big freeze.

The RSPB: Cold comfort for garden birds

I'm putting loads of food out for the Birds at the mo, those fat balls and suet treats that Tesco and Wilkinson's sell are good.

On the RSPB forum someone suggested cheap scones crumbled up, and they work a treat, disappear very quickly.

Struggling to keep water ice free, and the seed is currently buried under fresh snow at the moment, so need to dig it out when the sun comes up.!

May I also recommend apples cut open as well, I got Field fares and Red Wings when I did mine.

[Two_Sheds]

the seed is currently buried under fresh snow at the moment,

I'm chucking scraps under the camellia bush at the moment, which is the only snow-free patch, plus it's narrow enough to keep the pesky wood pigeons out.

The blackbirds are using all their energy fighting away everyone else though, daft things. There's enough to share.

[rustylady]

I find starlings are the funniest ones for chasing each other off the food. They're as bad as three year old children - each one wants what the other has got. Never mind that there's plenty for everyone!!

[Harry T]

Deep snow here in Surrey, and I have looked out the window to see a mistle thrush (I had to look up in the book to differentiate it from a song thrush) eating the berries on our cotoneatser bush.

[mrdinkle]

After reading this, I purchased some lard, melted it (and resisted the temptation to mainline it) and made some fatty treats for the birds. Basically mixed in a bit of everything I have been putting out - look half tempting too

[Flummery]

After reading this, I purchased some lard, melted it (and resisted the temptation to mainline it) and made some fatty treats for the birds. Basically mixed in a bit of everything I have been putting out - look half tempting too

If you do it with the fat drained from roast meat it REALLY smells good!

[mrdinkle]

I bet mmmmm.

I put one of them out earlier - will check and see if they have consumed any in a little while. They contain mealworms, chopped currants, apple, mixed seed, sunflower and niger.

I dipped it in some old grated cheese after I had loosened it from the 'ramekin that I am not supposed to use for the bird stuff' (shh, don't tell the boss).

[Mac]

Luckily (for the birds!) we stocked up on food before getting snowed in. These are just some of the gang. Pip (the pheasant!), Woody (you guess!), have been munching away all day. Poor Robbie was mortified when I got his crash landing! He's such a poser!

[mrdinkle]

Wow, those are great pics Mac - that is a 'I've been pap'd' look on the robin's face!

[Two_Sheds]

After reading this, I purchased some lard, melted it ...and made some fatty treats

I buy and cook Mr TS's sausages in batches so that I can drain off all the fat to make bird balls.
I find suet works better than lard though

1. melt suet in a plastic Xmas pudding bowl in microwave
2. stir in seeds etc
3. freeze
4. pop out of bowl nice n easy if it's frozen

[mrdinkle]

The feedback from my customers has been favourable. They are into the second one now.

Thanks for the tip TS, I will be sure to save any fatty deposits from meaty things and convert them into treats for the birdies.

[SueA]

Apparently you shouldn't put out fat balls etc. made from cooking juices from roasts etc. according to the RSPB. The fats don't set properly & can go rancid quickly & also can get smeared onto the birds feathers which causes problems. Also the juices & fats may be too salty for birds. I read about this just after I'd suggested to someone that they could use the fat off their turkey to make fat balls! Here's a link to the RSPB's suggestions for good/bad things to feed birds.
The RSPB: Advice