How to Help Garden Birds in the UK

 My bedroom window overlooks farmland and if I have a rare chance of a lie-in I love to open the curtains and enjoy a cup of tea in bed listening to, and watching the birds, including some magnificent Red Kites.

A hedge in front of our house is full of tiny brown birds - I grew up near Dudley and am not great at wild bird identification so I have no idea what they are. I can name town centre birds like pigeons and gulls and the obvious ones like Owls, Robins, Ducks and Kites but after that they are a beautiful mystery. I am slightly obsessed with gulls but not enough to share my chips with them.

I might not know what breed many birds are, but I do feel birds need attention from us to help them survive in a world where their natural habitats are being decimated at a scary rate.

There are a number of things you can do, even if you live in an apartment, to help birds survive, especially when the weather is extreme.

• Provide water. All you need is a shallow bowl or saucer which needs to be cleaned and refilled daily. Place the water in areas where they can drink safely without fear of predators. You can buy freestanding bird baths and hanging baths/drinkers which add charm to your garden or window water/food containers which can stick to your window if you live in a flat. In winter float a ball in the water to stop the supply freezing completely. The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) have some great ideas on how to provide water for birds in your garden including ideas on how to create a small drinking pond.
• Provide food. You might worry that birds will become dependent on you feeding them but the RSPB says that birds often need a helping hand, especially during the cold winter, spring and autumn days and during the moulting season, There are a variety of bird feeders and bird food selections available but make sure you buy quality mixes to avoid mould or mildew or less nutritious mixes. Buy Premium Bird Food appropriate for the style of bird feeder you have and ensure their feeding area is somewhere quiet where they will feel safe, but not too close to bushes where predators might hide. Site close to cover where they can dart away if they feel unsafe. Avoid windy spots and don't let uneaten food build up. 
• Keep an eye out. If you have squirrels nearby invest in a squirrel proof feeder and if cats are a problem you can buy ultrasonic cat deterrents.  Sign up to a charity like the RSPB to learn how best to care for birds and wildlife and consider joining their annual Big Garden Birdwatch which is normally held over a couple of days in January. If you provide food and water why not make sure you can see it sfrom the house or a considerate distance in the garden so you can enjoy their antics.

Where-ever you live, town, coast or country the sound of the morning chorus, the sight of wheeling murmurations or even the timeless pastime of watching ducks and geese patrolling canals, rivers and ponds can bring joy into our busy lives so we should do everything we can to keep our feathery friends healthy.