Birds – West Yorkshire

Birds are the only creature to have feathers called plumage, they are warm blooded and lay eggs. A birds bones are light with a honeycombed structure for strength. They have good eyesight and hearing but sense of smell is poor.

In Britain some of the birds we consider common such as the sparrow are in decline, reasons why are not fully understood. You can help by putting food and water out for birds – in winter it is recommended putting out high energy food such as fat, birdcake seed and nuts. Try to avoid nylon mesh bags as they can trap birds feet.

Spring and Summer feeding is not advisable unless you know what you are doing, at this time birds require high protein foods such as mealworms sunflower seeds and currants. Peanuts and bread are not recommended as they can be harmful if brought to nestlings.