Simple way to save birds in your garden this winter as virus puts them at risk
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Brits are being urged to help blackbirds this winter by providing food and reporting any issues due to a new virus threatening their population. Blackbirds, one of the most abundant birds in the UK with an estimated six million breeding pairs, are a familiar sight in gardens nationwide. Unlike migratory birds, blackbirds remain in the UK during winter, requiring a steady food supply to survive the harsh, barren months.
However, it's not just food scarcity posing a threat; a new virus has emerged as a significant danger. The British Trust for Ornithology warns of a decline in blackbird populations due to the Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne disease fatal to these birds. The Trust stated: "Blackbirds are a common bird in gardens across the UK, from rural areas to the hearts of cities.
"However, in recent years and particularly since 2020, birdwatchers have reported fewer birds being seen in their gardens, especially in London. This recent decline has been linked to the appearance of Usutu virus, a new mosquito-borne virus in the UK which is often fatal to blackbirds.".
The UK's blackbird population is under threat from a virus first spotted in London during the summer of 2020, which has been spreading across southern Britain. The Woodland Trust links this to climate change, which benefits the mosquitoes carrying the disease, reports the Express.
They're keen to see if the decline seen in London is mirrored elsewhere and are calling on garden owners to join a survey tracking blackbirds when it reopens in 2025 – more info can be found on their website. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to support these birds by providing food and planting caterpillar-friendly bushes.
