Feeding in Winter

[Colarris]

I've often wondered how do the birds survive in the winter with there being no insects and hardly any seed or fruit on the trees?

[Adam Cheeseman]

There is a surprising amount of invertebrate life still around for many birds to feed on. Forming feeding flocks is also one way by which birds manage to find food, particularly during cold snaps. Most seeds at this time of year are those in still standing dead or dormant wildflowers (plus tree seeds). They will also nibble at green leafage too.

Cheers,

Adam

[tameblackbirds]

My worry is the Wrens always suffer in such cold snaps and have not seen any in my garden during this cold weather And feeding birds every day lots of fat pellets to help them all

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Most seeds at this time of year are those in still standing dead or dormant wildflowers (plus tree seeds). They will also nibble at green leafage too.

Adam

At the moment the Mahonia in my garden is a great favourite for the Blue Tits especially, and the Black Caps when they visit but I'm never really sure what the attraction is - is it insects or the nectar? In any event it's a great plant to have in the garden as there has been numerous bees, hoverflies etc earlier on in the season