Wildlife in Winter

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Wildlife in Winter

Many different species of birds migrate for the winter. But not all
birds do and with so little food about they could do with some help.
So it is always a good idea if you can feed them during the winter months.
Providing a bird bath for them to drink and bath in will also help.
The water must be shallow enough for them and check it
regularly making sure the water isn't frozen. You will also need to clean it frequently and replace the water.
You feed birds scraps, breadcrumbs or small pieces of bread moisten
so it is soft enough for them don't give bread that is to dry. But it is better not to give bread as it isn't very nutritional. Peanuts and bird
seed can be given but can be expensive over time. Robins like grated cheese and bacon rind that is finely chopped up. Make sure
the bacon isn't over salty. Raisins, currants, sultanas and apples are good. Dry porridge oats, cooked rice without any salt having been added, even potatoes. Don't give any food that has gone off. It will harm the birds health. Don't give milk
as birds can't digest it or desiccated coconut it damages their stomachs and can kill them. A bird cake is something you make as it is made of fat and usually contains leftover scraps. For details on how to make one visit the RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/makeanddo/index.asp
Don't leave food on the ground over night unless it is peanuts and
you have badgers and want to attract them. Be careful though as you could attract unwanted guests such as rats.
Some animals hibernate during the winter hedgehogs, tortoises, bats, dormice, bees and butterflies go into hibernation. By sleeping during the winter they use less energy and rely on having eaten heartily before going into hibernation so that they have stocked up enough food in their bodies to keep them going through the winter months.

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