Gardeners are being told to do one thing with birdbaths this week
Gardeners are being told to do one thing with birdbaths this week(Image: DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams) via Getty Images)
Bitterly cold conditions, snow and ice are forecast to sweep across the UK this week, prompting experts to urge gardeners to think about how they can help protect wildlife in their outdoor spaces. With the Met Office warning of strong winds alongside snowfall for certain areas of the country, the likelihood of frozen gardens has risen significantly.
Whilst many people associate summer with birds visiting their gardens, January sees numerous winter bird species still battling freezing temperatures without the option to migrate or hibernate, competing for resources that are often in short supply.
Water is one such vital resource, and whilst it may appear abundant during winter months, it frequently freezes solid, making it impossible for birds to access. Several of Britain’s most familiar bird species remain active throughout winter – such as sparrows, starlings, pigeons, robins, owls, magpies and thrushes – rather than hibernating or flying south.
Therefore, anyone who has a birdbath in their garden is being encouraged to prevent the water from icing over to help these birds survive the harsh cold snap, reports the Express.
The solution is straightforward: simply place a ball in your birdbath. This simple trick is sufficient to stop ice from forming and maintain the water in a liquid state.
Songbird Survival cautions: “Water can be difficult to come by in the winter months, even though it feels like it does nothing but rain to us. Provide your birds with fresh, clean water, and take care to check daily that it has not frozen over. To try and stop available water from freezing, you can place a ball in the container.”
The site also suggests clearing snow from lawns to assist birds in their feeding habits.
It further advises: “If we have been blessed with some snowflakes, make sure to clear away patches of snow so that birds can access the soil underneath. Many birds feed on invertebrates in the soil and clearing the snow can be a small task that is very appreciated by our feathered friends.”
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