Urgent warning issued to anyone with these birds in garden during cold snap
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As the UK faces freezing weather conditions - with potential snow on the horizon - residents are being encouraged to lend a helping hand to the birds that visit their gardens during the winter months. Contrary to popular belief, many bird species remain in British gardens throughout the winter, opting to compete for scarce food resources rather than migrate to warmer climates. The robin, a beloved Christmas icon, is one such bird that bravely endures the harsh winter conditions, fiercely defending its territory and scouring for sustenance.
According to garden expert Richard Jackson: "Robins are one of our charismatic winter birds. Easily recognisable, the friendly robin is a great asset in our winter gardens and has been hailed as the UK's favourite bird.". He adds: "In the bleak midwinter, our garden friend the robin shadows our every move in the garden. His tomato red breast shines like a beacon in the cold winter light as he hops and chirrups around as we potter around the winter garden.".
These charming birds are fiercely territorial, relying on the protection and retention of their patch to survive, particularly if the garden is rich in bird food or has a friendly human providing support. Blackbirds, another common winter garden dweller, also face challenges in finding food, with a virus affecting their numbers in England. The British Trust for Ornithology has raised the alarm about plummeting blackbird numbers, pointing the finger at the emergence of the Usutu virus in the UK – a mosquito-borne menace that can prove lethal to our feathered friends.
