On National Bird Day, think about fun for all ages feeding garden birds this winter

There we were, worrying about Lockdown 3, when all we needed was a National Bird Day to cheer us up.

Guess what? National Bird Day is today!

And while almost all of us are stuck at home again, at least there's an opportunity to bring a little happiness into the avian world, and learn at the same time.

Winter can be tough for garden birds, especially when a phenomenon like the Beast from the East sweeps in our direction. For example, birds need high energy, high fat foods to maintain their fat reserves and survive sub-zero nights, and often the best source of them is human beings in the form of good quality food or scraps.

In addition to making birds' lives easier, we can make our own a little more entertaining, as feeding will bring birds closer where they can be appreciated. At least lockdown gives us a chance to learn and not take them for granted.

Here are the RSPB's Top Ten Tips for giving birds a helping hand this winter:

1 Know your birds:

Different species eat different things. Sparrows and finches like seeds; tits like fat; and thrushes and robins like fruit and worms. Starlings will eat just about anything. Make sure you're providing the right menu for your diners - find out what to feed birds.

2 Look out for leftovers:

Some of our own food can be good for birds – for example, fruit cake or mince pies, dried fruit, unsalted nuts, or apples and pears past their best. Try sprinkling grated mild cheese under trees and bushes for more timid birds like wrens and dunnocks.

3 But choose the right stuff:

Birds probably won't eat any unwanted Christmas Day sprouts still lurking in the fridge, and putting out soft fat is a big no-no - it will stick to birds' feathers and stop them from keeping waterproof and warm. Avoid anything mouldy or salty (too much salt is poisonous to small birds).

4 Don't poison your pets!

Birds love dried fruit. But if you have a dog, don't put grapes, currants, raisins or sultanas within their reach. Vine fruits can be toxic to dogs.

5 Keep water in bird baths and ponds unfrozen:

Birds need to drink and bathe every day - even when it's really cold outside. A pond or bird bath is great, but even an upturned bin lid or plant saucer can give birds the water they need. We've got lots of useful tips on how to keep water from freezing.

6 Put out the right amount of food:

Only put out what will get eaten during the day. This is important if you want to avoid unwanted visitors like rats. It'll also mean that there aren't big piles of mouldy food on your bird table.

7 Keep it clean!

Dirty bird feeders and bird tables can help spread diseases. Make sure you clean them regularly to keep your visitors healthy and happy. And always wash your hands after feeding the birds!

8 Location, location location!

Keep you table or feeder somewhere:

- quiet - where birds won't be disturbed.

- safe and open - to stop cat-ambushes and allow for a quick getaway

- sheltered - from harsh cold winds, rain or snow.

9 Enjoy! You've got a thriving feeding station and garden full of hungry visitors. It's time to take a moment to watch and enjoy the birds the happy birds feasting on the food you've provided!

10 Give yourself a pat on the back for giving nature a home:

By feeding the birds in your garden, on your balcony or at your window, you'll help them get through what can be a tough time of year. You're a bird-feeding hero.