However enojyable it may be to observe the birds
closely and follow their every move, it should be remembered that
they live their own private lives which we must respect. To see
our image gallery, click here.
Winter presents a difficult period for birds and survival until
the next breeding season is the most important item on the agenda.
Some species solve the problem by migrating to warmer climates
where feeding is better. Other, more hardy species, endure our
colder climate and remain. For these perennial birds, the struggle
is to find enough food, find protected roosting places and avoid
predators.
Food consists of insects, seeds and whatever else they can find.
But in gardens, during the winter, the most important food is
what you give them. And they are not fastidious. Dry bread is
allright, but more nourishing food like sunflower seeds, nuts
or fat give much more energy. Remember that the days are short
and the birds don´t have much time to find enough food.
On the other hand, the nights can be very long and cold; especially
if one is small and thin and undernourished.
Years ago there were many places in and around buildings where
birds could find a hole in which to shelter at night. Up under
the roof, for example. Modern buildings do not have these holes.
And even old houses are now so filled with insulating material,
that the birds cannot get in. So birdboxes are essential and provide
room enough for a number of birds, who will huddle together in
them for warmth. There is also safety in numbers. They are more
efficient at guarding against predators.
In springtime when the days become longer and warmer, the birds
have to find a mate. These don´t grow on trees, so one has
to make oneself more attractive. The increase in the food supply
helps to grow beautifull new plumage, which does wonders with
the oposite sex. The male birds will also sing their songs to
impress the girls, but before they are all paired off, some nasty
fights can take place.
The availability of food and suitable nesting places decide the
number of birds that will be attracted to any given area. Here
the birdbox plays an important role. More birdboxes - more room
for birds. Parent birds will often share the hatching of a clutch
of eggs. Once the chicks poke a confused head out of the shell,
both parent have to begin the enormous job of bringing home enough
food for the chicks. And this is no small task. Now you will see
your garden team working overtime to everybody´s benefit.
A brood of chicks need between 10.000 and 15.000 larvea and insects
before they are ready to leave home and fend for themselves.
Before they fly the nest, chicks are an easy prey for magpies,
rooks or cats, unless you have a properly designed nesting box.
Apart from an inbuilt protection against squirrels, our boxes
have an entry hole of the correct size for the chosen species
and sufficient depth that they do not become a fatal trap for
the young birds, as do many other types of nesting boxes.
During summer, birds are very active. They have to raise as
many young as possible. To this end - if there is food enough
and a place to nest - they will try to raise two or more broods.
In this connection, it is well to remember that, many birds will
use the nesting box only once, unless it has been cleaned out.
Therefore, it is an advantage to have several boxes in place,
for the birds to choose from in case you have forgotten to clean
after the first brood.
In autum, the birds relax after all the hard work of the summer
months and fatten themselves up in readiness for winter, which
extra fat and body weight will help them to survive. At this time
of year, some birds find themselves new territory or join a flock
with whom to pass the winter.
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