Afterschool and holiday Nanny

Great shout. They do need the extra fat when it’s winter, but don’t use fat balls from April as they are dangerous for nestlings as the babies can choke on lumps of the fat. When it gets milder switch to suet pellets as they are harder and don’t melt (the grease is bad for feathers.    

Rather alarmist. There is unlikely to be snow this week, but even if there is that is natural and wildlife adjust accordingly. There are fewer insects to eat due to what humans have done to the planet over the decades.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_in_insect_populations  In particular: Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Agricultural Chemicals: Climate Change: Pollution: Invasive Species: There is even a case for not feeding birds due to the spread of disease through feeders, greenfinch population was decimated.   https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/24/should-we-stop-feeding-birds-what-happens-if-we-do-and-does-it-spread-disease   I do feed the birds but keeping a watching eye on the evidence.   And I try to grow insect and bird friendly plants including attempts at a meadow.   There could also be an argument for not keeping cats as these may decimate bird populations.   https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/14/cats-kill-birds-wildlife-keep-indoors   You will need squirrel proof feeders and even then you may have the starlings and green squwaky things eating most of the food left out for small birds.  

Apparently this year due to the weather there are fewer insects for the birds to eat. So please if you don’t usually buy fat balls & seeds to put out (in safe places to avoid the cats ) a plentiful supply . They really need it this year, especially with snow forecast later this week.    Thankyou 

I hope she and the rider of the bike are ok. I feel its understandable that locals may be concerned when they see a road taped off and police presence.