AN urgent appeal went out today: Help feed the birds.
With snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures hitting the area, the RSPB charity has issued an urgent appeal for people across the county to feed the birds in their gardens.
Conditions such as those hitting Huddersfield mean birds struggle to find the food they need to survive the winter in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring.
Margaret Overend, spokes woman for the Denby Dale office of the RSPB, said: "The mild winter so far has encouraged some birds to start nesting. Many are singing as if spring has already come.
"The dreadful conditions we've suffered all week mean our garden birds have had a nasty shock.
"Freezing weather is a potential death sentence for many birds.
"But by feeding the birds in your garden you can help them survive the worst of the winter weather.
"Just a little water, food and shelter can turn your garden into a vital haven for birds in the freezing winter," added Mrs Overend.
For a free Wild bird winter survival pack, write to the RSPB at Westleigh Mews, Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8QD (phone 01484 861148).
THE RSPB is asking people to follow a winter survival plan that will help wild birds during the harshest weather.
* Put out feed regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and soaked dried fruit.
* Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.
* Ensure a supply of fresh water every day.
* Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.
* Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrests and many other species.
* Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for the smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year.
