In winter it may be more difficult for birds to eat natural foods such as insects, seeds, worms and fruit. Any alternative food one puts out in one’s yard or garden during the cold months will help birds survive until spring comes.

In other countries, many people take pleasure in feeding garden birds. It is easy and very rewarding to enjoy wildlife up close.

What kind of food should one put out for feeding? According to C.J. WildBird Foods in UK, bread can be crumbled up and scattered outside. Very dry bread could be moistened first. Stale cake and biscuits provide birds with a rich source of fat. Cooked rice, pasta and pastry are packed with starch, potatoes boiled, baked, roasted or mashed are also eaten by various birds; cheese crumbled or grated –robins and wrens will love it. Apples and pears go down a treat with blackbirds and thrushes. Birdseed mixed with sunflower seeds may attract some finches.

Some people have a grudge against sparrows and look at them as pests devastating crops and fruit. Like any other birds they feed on whatever is available when they are hungry. I think we exaggerate when we think they do irreparable harm.

Our ancestors used not only to feed them breadcrumbs, but also provide them with nesting places hanging over rooftops.

All birds need water to drink and to bathe in. In winter, their feathers must be clean and in top condition to keep them warm and protect them against harsh weather.

So, we must also not forget to provide them with a suitable container with water. Bird trays and feeding devices should be regularly cleaned properly to avoid the risk of spreading disease. Water bowls should be cleaned daily.

In Malta, we should emulate other European countries, and encourage more children to love birds. To learn how to feed and enjoy watching birds close by is much better education than to learn how to exterminate anything that flies while poisoning the environment.