Birds snub gardens in mild winter

Fewer song birds are appearing in winter gardens

Fewer garden birds have been spotted around East Anglian homes this winter than for many years.

The Norfolk-based British Trust for Ornithology who conduct an annual survey of species in the region have said the mild winters are to blame.

A spokesperson said: "Blackbirds and starlings are able to get their normal diet because the ground is not frozen.

"The bumper harvest last year means there are plenty of seeds for finches so fewer visits to gardens are made."

The Trust relies on people listing the different species that visit gardens in towns, cities and the countryside to keep tabs on bird populations in the winter.

New results from a national survey show that fewer species than normal have been taking advantage of the food offered by kind householders.

Experts at the BTO - the UK's leading bird charity say the mild weather has meant many birds - particularly blackbirds and songbirds have been able to reach worms instead of relying on nuts in feeders.

Other varieties have managed to find enough seeds after the massive crop last autumn.