Where have all the birds gone?

It has been hard to believe it’s November with raspberries still being picked in the north of England and Wales warmer than Corfu. Instead of putting up Christmas decorations, pubs in London have been reopening their beer gardens. There is evidence of the prolonged summer in the garden too. The RSPB has reported blue tits raising a second brood and swallows postponing their winter migrations.

All of this has led to confusion and worry amongst gardeners, concerned at the lack of feathered visitors at their garden feeding stations. Where have all the birds gone? The RSPB has sought to reassure people that birds are finding an abundance of berries and seeds due to the unseasonable weather so are not as reliant on human help as they would normally be in November. Insects, such as wasps and ladybirds are still being seen in large numbers. Even butterflies are sticking around.

However this doesn’t mean that garden birds won’t be needing us very soon. As winter starts to bite they will become increasingly reliant on well-stocked feeders and tables so it’s important we get prepared now. Visit the RSPB’s website for more advice on how to help birds survive the winter.