Bird it or bin it

26/11/2004

Feed the birds and stop homes flooding.

Nevermind stringing up monkey nuts for the blue tits, heed the message of another monkey.

Northumbrian Water’s grease monkey, Chips, is working closely with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to ensure garden birds are receiving the energy they need to survive the cold and wet winter months.

As an alternative to putting kitchen grease in the bin, it can be used to make birdcakes which garden birds will relish.

Make birdcakes with solidified grease mixed with bird seed, raisins, chopped peanuts and even grated cheese and hang from trees or crumble on birdtables.

David Hirst, RSPB regional information officer, said: “Garden birds which feed on grease-related birdcakes include the blackbird, robin, great tit, blue tit, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch and maybe even great spotted woodpeckers.

“Winter is a difficult time for many birds.  By providing food, water and shelter you can really help them and turn your yard or garden into a wildlife haven for you to enjoy.  This campaign which Northumbrian Water is promoting is excellent news.  We are working together to ensure food is available for birds in the winter so they survive the cold months.”

Birds also enjoy kitchen scrap foods such as pastry, cooked potatoes, raisins, sultanas and apples. Leftover bread can be soaked in cooking oil.

Grease Monkey, Chips, said: “Do not forget the problems caused when grease, cooking oil and fat are poured down sinks and drains.  Disposing of grease correctly prevents homes and gardens being flooded and damage being made to the environment.

“Making a birdcake can be great fun, watch the many birds come into the garden for a peck at the birdcake.”

For further information please contact Joanne Dye, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6733, or, David Hirst, RSPB Information Officer, 0191 212 6121 / 07885 834 889.