KILDARE WILDLIFE WATCH: Bird feeding station vital during winter

With this cold snap bringing freezing conditions to our local community there are many ways we can help our local wildlife through this time.

Firstly I should say that wildlife have adapted many ways to protect themselves from the extreme cold weather including their warm feather or fur coats and of course hibernation.

Birds actually fluff their feathers out during cold snaps which traps air within the feathers and this acts as a natural insulation layer.

However, during this time we can always give a helping hand. Water is essential for all life leaving freshwater out in your garden each morning will be a welcome resource for wildlife. If you have a garden pond it is suggested that by putting a tennis ball on its surface will prevent if from freezing.

When ponds freeze toxins can build up in the water and may result in the death of wildlife below the surface. The freezing conditions makes the ground hard for wildlife to search for juicy earthworms and other invertebrates.

A garden bird feeding station will provide a source of food for garden birds. Leaving nuts such as walnuts or almonds out will also support your local squirrels replenish their cache of food reserves.

Some of you may be fortunate to have a hedgehog visit your garden. A leaf pile will be a welcome addition to your garden as it will offer a safe shelter for them. Ideally placing it north facing will help to reduce the highs and lows of the temperature fluctuations each day. Another idea is to create a log pile or stone pile for frogs to take shelter in.

Invertebrates will take shelter in bug houses or the stems of dying plants so it is suggested when doing some garden tidying to always leave an area of your garden to be cleared until the Spring.

For the nature lover in your life why not gift them a bird house, bird bath, bird feeding station, bat box other other wildlife themed gift for their garden.

If you come across a wildlife species that you would like help identifying contact me at bogs@ipcc.ie.