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Can you imagine living outside throughout the winter, with only feathers for a coat, and dead leaves and moss as a duvet? Imagine waking up whilst it is still dark, before all your friends (and foes), and singing! Can you imagine being a Robin? Young Climate Warriors are challenged to pause and notice the wild birds over the holidays. It’s easy to chase round the garden, play in the park or jump into the car without stopping to look and listen to the birds – here’s a WWT bird spotter sheet which you might find helpful. How about focusing more closely on what a robin looks like – you could have a go at drawing a robin, and send it to the YCW gallery?
Maybe you could go outside at dawn or dusk and focus on listening to the bird song – robins often start their ‘spring song’ in mid-December! This RSPB audio clip gives a beautiful rendition of a robin’s song.
Life is getting harder for our birds - why do you think that might be? Climate change, as well as changes in farming practices such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides and the removal of hedgerows, are making life harder for birds, and other wild animals. Some studies are showing temperature changes resulting in birds laying eggs earlier in the year, changing migration routes or nesting in new locations. Birds in the UK, are moving, on average 20 km northwards per decade.
How about helping to feed our birds? You could choose to make a simple toilet roll bird feeder (with a toilet roll, peanut butter and bird seed) – or even a Christmas wreath for birds? Leave it on the windowsill, hang it on a tree branch, or your balcony– and wait and watch! A robin’s favourite treat is mealworms (a type of beetle lava), but they love kitchen scraps too. During the winter birds particularly need foods that are high in fats. You can help them survive the frosty nights by feeding them good quality meaty scraps, cheese, freshly cooked rice, or dried fruit (peanuts must be crushed if given). Find out which foods are safe for garden birds.
We need to help combat climate change on behalf of all birds, who, even with their beautiful singing, struggle to make their voices heard. Remember - HIT THE RED BUTTON and email hello@youngclimatewarriors.org when you have taken time to pause, watch and help out our wild birds, and send us photos of your artwork and bird feeders.