Another icy blast could sweep across the nation this week, with more snow predicted just a short time after the recent blizzards and 'snow bombs'. As early February brings another dusting of snow, garden owners are being encouraged to keep an eye out for a rare bird that tends to show up during snowy conditions. We're not talking about a creature of legend, but rather redwings – the UK's smallest true thrush.
These birds typically visit gardens when snow blankets the fields, cutting off their usual diet of worms and slugs. Instead of their normal haunts in farm fields and hedgerows, redwings resort to foraging in gardens amidst the chill. Pergolux UK, the garden experts, advise: "A winter visitor to the UK, Redwings make an appearance in winter time and are the UK's smallest true thrush. They can be found roaming across the countryside and hedgerows, and very rarely visit gardens unless there's any snow covering in fields. Keep an eye out for appearances in the garden during the next snowfall.".
To support these famished feathered friends, gardeners are being prompted to leave out sliced apples, reports the Express. Redwings have a penchant for apples, particularly when their food supply dwindles. Just halve some apples and scatter them on your lawn.
Since redwings are ground feeders, they're more inclined to peck at offerings left on the grass than those placed on elevated tables or in hanging feeders. The Woodland Trust has urged nature lovers to keep their eyes peeled during winter months, as it is prime time for spotting redwings. In a statement, they noted: "As redwings only visit the UK during the winter, this is the time to be on the lookout for them. These social birds can often be seen in flocks with fieldfares, foraging for food.".
