With the release of the film "Saving Mr Banks", charting the relationship between Walt Disney and P. L. Travers, the author of "Mary Poppins", comes a timely reminder to remember the wildlife in the garden. "Feed the Birds" may be a well known song from the film version of "Mary Poppins", but it is also an instruction to those gardeners who love the avian wildlife that is around at this time of year, even if the days of buying bird food at tuppence (or two whole pence for our younger readers) is long gone. The garden may appear quiet and sleepy, but many native birds are still awake and trying to survive. Make sure that feeders are refilled regularly as many birds become dependent on them and get confused if they suddenly stay empty. Put out a variety of food suitable for a number of species such as peanuts, small seeds, mealworms and suet balls - the latter without their nets, if possible, to prevent small bird claws getting caught.
Also ensure that any bird baths are free of ice in the coldest weather. Remember too that, if you have fish and need to feed them, do not smash any ice as this can harm the fish in the pool. Put a small rubber ball in the pond, and remove it when iced up to create an air hole. Alternatively, try to melt an air hole or carefully lift the ice sheet and break some away.Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
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