At this time of the year, when there's not a lot of wild food around, our feathered friends can do with any extra help. Having a variety of foods will ensure to cater for the needs of different types of birds.
Having feeders also offers a great opportunity for bird-watching from the comfort of your own house. It is always quite exciting to see a new species come to your garden, or to see a previously lonesome bird feeding in the company of a potential mate.
Don't forget to have a source of liquid water on frosty days when most water sources might be frozen.
A Greenfinch feasts on peanuts, a great source of fat which is particularly important in the winter.
One of the Goldfinches is feeding on Niger seeds, a favorite of them, while the other settles for the mixed-seed. The Tit family, such as the Great Tit and Coal Tit in the photo, love sunflower seeds.
A family of Sparrows retreat for a nap after a good feed
This family of Bullfinches came for the remain of the Blackberries. Having plants that produce edible fruits and seeds will also encourage birds to your garden.
Initially only one of this Lesser Redpolls was visiting the feeders, but it was later joined by another one. The two of them are now regulars.
The mild weather we've been having for the last few weeks have brought this Primroses into bloom, but a sudden frost will probably put an end to the emerging flowers. Even if they survive the frost it will be pointless, as far as the plant is concerned, as there is no insects about to pollinate them.
The buds, which just started to open, are covered in frost
Another plant with flowers
As I was walking back along the same road, I spotted two small Dandelions that had joined the Primroses in their futile effort to flower at this time of the year.
Apologies for the bad quality of the photos, but it was getting dark and the flash didn't work well with the flower shots
