The RSPB Bempton Cliffs column with Ivan Nethercoat
It’s fair to say the weather has been a little inclement on our coast recently. The wild storms may be exhilarating for us but we can retreat into the warmth of our homes when we’ve had enough but what do our birds do?
Here on the cliffs at RSPB Bempton it’s been a whiteout yet the brave souls who visited still had great moments with wildlife as it carried on as if nothing had changed.
Snow Buntings are feeding on the footpath, short eared owls and barn owls have been hunting for voles on the grassland and joining them in the hunt are one of our smallest predators, the weasel.
Feathers are key to a bird’s survival – keeping them in good condition gives them amazing insulation as well as the ability to fly to warmer areas. Keeping them in good condition by being able to bathe is key to warmth and good flight and a good supply of food keeps them healthy.
Having a supply of water is one of the simplest things you can do to help, making a pond is even better. Just try and keep it ice free.
Keeping your feeders clean is also essential to help reduce the spread of disease, use a mild detergent solution, such as washing-up liquid. Remember to wear gloves and get rid of any unused or mouldy food.
All this is a great prelude to getting ready for Big Garden BirdWatch.
Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers like you take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring.
Whether it’s from your kitchen window, on a lunchtime walk, with family, friends or colleagues – every Birdwatch helps build the bigger picture for birds. And the more of us taking part, the clearer that picture becomes for the birds we’re all looking out for.
Over the last 47 years or so, more than 12.6 million hours have been spent counting birds, giving the RSPB incredible insight into how our wildlife is doing. It’s an easy, inclusive activity that shows what we can achieve for birds when we act together.
Every count matters – even if you don’t see a single bird. What you record helps build the story of how our garden birds are doing across the UK. See www.rspb.org.uk for more details.