Community Guardian

Wildabout Birds!

07/11/2005

Now that winter is drawing in, it’s increasingly more important not to forget about our small feathered friends. Where some birds migrate to sunnier climates, such as Swallows and Swifts, there’s still some hardy types that like to stay around Britain to enjoy our winter months, including that seasonal favourite, the Robin.

There’s many things that we can do to encourage these birds to feed and live around our neighbourhoods and if you’re lucky, to nest in your garden. You can provide a place for birds to feed off, away from predators such as cats, it’s also great fun to make your own bird cake. You can provide somewhere for them to bath and drink from, such as an old dustbin lid or a seed tray and for the more ambitious, you can even build your own bird box.

The Manchester Biodiversity Team would like to know what birds you have spotted in your neighbourhood. There is a Manchester Garden Bird Survey (with pictures) on the website detailed below, you can also receive details of the survey at your next Community Guardian meeting.

If you would like further information and tips on what you can do to encourage wildlife in your neighbourhood, please visit www.wildaboutmanchester.info or telephone (0161) 953 2737.