FAT - The Birds Love It Too : RSPB Garden Watch

These past few days it's been the RSPB big garden bird watch weekend, and many from all over the country are taking part.

I love watching the birds (and occasional squirrel) in the garden.

The grandchildren get huge delight from feeding the birds and watching 'their feathered friends' as they call them. Nuts are put out as well as bacon rind and like us FAT should be a large part of their diet....... lard is great for birds.

Winter time is tough for birds, food is scarce and water may be frozen. You don't have to buy special bird food .... starlings like peanuts and the thrushes and blackbirds like over ripe apples and raisins. If you do want to buy something buy a 'fat ball' available in garden centres and some supermarkets. They are high in energy, great for the birds or how about making your own bird food:

"Bird cake and food bars

Fat balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent winter food. If they are sold in nylon mesh bags, always remove the bag before putting the fat ball out – the soft mesh can trap and injure birds. You can make your own bird cake by pouring melted fat (suet or lard) onto a mixture of ingredients such as seeds, nuts, dried fruit, oatmeal, cheese and cake. Use about one-third fat to two-thirds mixture. Stir well in a bowl and allow it to set in a container of your choice. An empty coconut shell, plastic cup or tit bell makes an ideal bird cake ‘feeder’. Alternatively, you can turn it out onto your birdtable when solid."

For more helpful tips and advice see here

Enjoy nature, have a walk and listen to the great sound of bird song. 

All the best Jan