Zero Birds This Morning

[Chipchopper]

I always keep my bird feeders well topped up but this morning, I didn't see a single bird!
The last few days they were out in force, I just hope they survive. Its about -4c at the moment.

[Tuvok]

My female blacky was looking totally miserable this morning.

[Gill1941]

We have 4 inches of snow - freezing night. I filled the feeders teatime yesterday and lots of birds out there now. Snowing again and lots of ice so cannot get out for ground feeding birds.
I have a large pond and pump is still going so have a small circle of running water and rest frozen. Even hot water in birdbaths freezes almost at once.
I do feel so sorry for them.

[rockyracoon]

I haven't seen any birds in the garden at all the past few day. Though, the bird seed has gone down quite a bit. The poor things are probably glued to their nests, too scared to come out. I don't blame them.

[cassa333]

Only a smattering of snow here but very cold. So I assume the birds have either frozen to death or are being sensible and staying as warm as they can in their nests.

If I didn't have to go to work in a minute I'd do the same lol

[Chipchopper]

The temperature has gone up a little, as the snow became heavier, its now about 1 0c and the birds are back n' fourth from a nearby, thick hedge very quickly.
I've put out some apple cores and bits of wholemeal bread to keep em going.

[Khandro]

I put out all kinds of bird food - seed, bread and nuts - throughout the year and it is often difficult to keep up the demand through the spring/summer/autumn months but I have hardly any takers during the coldest periods such as now (-10 yesterday) - very puzzling.

[Baldric]

///probably glued to their nests///
///staying as warm as they can in their nests///

Most birds don't use nests outside of Breeding Season, they use Roosts, somewhere sheltered in thick undergrowth or eaves of a building for example.

[murraymints]

Managed to wade through snow and fill up feeders with seed and fat balls...now being scoffed

[Prudie]

I put out extra this morning and the usual crew were around, the robin almost bangs on the door for food. Mind you it's Dorset, it is white this morning but only about 1cm so far.

[maggiebee]

Probably had about 4" of snow overnight. Still some fat balls in the feeders but peanuts empty. Will brave the snow and ice later to refill. Want to clear a bit on my patio too so I can put something down for the ground feeders. Hard time for our feathered friends.

[Chipchopper]

Hi Minty, keep up the good work!.
I think there was a bird of prey around here earlier, which may account for the lack of garden birds.
They seem very flighty at the mo.

[237SJ]

Had quite a few birds here. Saw redwings in the garden which only happens when we have snow. The blackbirds have been living off the miniature crab apples from the tree and the robin has been on the feeder.

[Gill1941]

Stopped snowing here now and lots of birds about. Meant to come in really bad this pm so will adventure out with some grated cheese and oats for ground feeders. Have found an old apple in the fridge, too! Very icy and I have strict instructions from family to stay in as I am on crutches but cannot see the birds go hungry. They are used to being fed all year. Just seen the blackcap too.

[Chipchopper]

Good advice from the folks. don't put yourself at risk!!

[Gill1941]

I'm a stubborn whatsname!! So done that and am unscathed though didn't go right up the garden stayed nearer house and shed.
At least they can eat something before storm Emma strikes about 1 o'clock through till 8 or 9 they say. Shall be glad to see rain tomorrow. Temperature seems set to rise slowly now anyway.
I think I have the only water in the neighbourhood - lots of birds around pond including redwing which I've not seen for years.

[murraymints]

Second refills just done...they're hungry...have cleared bird baths and filled with warm water

[Chipchopper]

If I can make it to the shops, I'll get some extra supplies in for the birds.
Minty, I was under the impresion that warm water will freeze quicker due to the steam or something ??. I may be wrong.

[jourdain2]

Just watching a blackbird at one of the feeders. Mr J2 assiduously filled everything after a viciously cold dog walk we took this morning, whilst I made a thawing cuppa. Our village is cut off and I'm just making cottage pie for this evening in case peak demand provokes a power-cut early evening. Can't keep water liquid for the birds though.
Think the smaller birds are hiding in our evergreen climber.

Earlier on we watched some blackbirds trying to fly over the field - they were making no progress - I could swear they were flying backwards.

[Gill1941]

I don't know if it freezes quicker, chipchopper, but have tried it other days and it froze within 15 minutes of being put out so have had to give up on that. Still they have gallons in the pond which seems to be thawing a bit.

[Gill1941]

Snowing now. Hope they managed a good feed because we are forecast heavy snow for a few hours now.