FEED THE BIRDS

Dear Readers,

“Feed the birds, tuppence a bag, tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag.” So sang the lady on the steps of St. Paul's in the musical ‘Mary Poppins'.

My mum taught me to string up peanuts when I was a little girl and told me the names of the birds which came to enjoy them. An interest was born and continues to this day. The variety of feeders and bird food which now hang in my garden would have amazed my mum, and I think she would approve! So do I get visitors to my Bird Café? Indeed I do! Just the other morning I counted 10 different bird species in less than half an hour, including such delights as a lesser spotted woodpecker, coal tits, long tailed tits, and a number of delightfully pretty goldfinches. (They come for the dark thistle seed in a special feeder.) So, why bother? Surely wild birds are able to find their own food. Indeed they are, but sadly, not so easily these days. In the last 50-60 years our cities have grown greatly, swallowing up vast areas of countryside which provided homes and food sources for wildlife. It is a sad fact that many of our bird species numbers are much lower than they used to be, even when I was a child. Even the humble sparrow has disappeared completely from some areas. Feeding the birds does help. Especially if you commit to maintaining the feeding station well, topping up the seed regularly. Of course there is a cost involved but you have the pleasure of some interesting visitors to your garden. You also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the birds, and even ensuring that some actually survive through the winter. Most garden centres have feeders and bird tables for sale, and will advise on the uses of the different feeders. (And it is best to use specially produced bird food, as not all food scraps are good for birds.) Bennett's Hardware store in the village has an excellent stock of bird food, and some feeders. So please, hear the advice of the lady on the steps of St Paul's and feed the birds! It could start a fascinating interest and you could help some birds survive the winter months.

Happy birding!

Pam Farmer