![\"Birdseed\"](\"http:\/\/www.naturearoundme.com\/contents1a\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/birdseed_203x152.jpg\" "\\"birdseed_203x152\\"")
<\/a>And as earthworms are a major source of food for blackbirds in suburban areas, this shortage could force them to go without, leaving them less prepared for the onset of the cold winter weather.<\/p>\n
Other species, such as song thrushes \u2013 already a \u2018red list<\/a>\u2019 species \u2013 are also vulnerable to drought-like conditions.<\/p>\n Typically they feast on slugs and snails: creatures that literally go to ground when the weather dries up.<\/p>\n After a prolonged decline (down 49% between 1990 and 2007), there is already some evidence that song thrushes are recovering more quickly in the wetter west of the UK than the drier east.<\/p>\n In response, the wildlife charity is encouraging people to get out into their gardens and give birds a hand.<\/p>\n Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n To celebrate its annual Feed The Birds Day, which takes place as the clocks go back this weekend, the wildlife charity has produced five tips for creating a natural haven for wildlife in your garden:<\/p>\n Richard Bashford, the RSPB\u2019s Feed the Birds Day Manager, said: \u201cIf you\u2019ve got the time and the space to make your garden more wildlife friendly, that\u2019s great. But simply hanging out a feeder or splitting over-ripe apples on your lawn will have the visiting wildlife thanking you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThat\u2019s especially true in years like this, when some natural food sources run scarce.<\/p>\n Bugs, berries and seeds<\/strong><\/p>\n At times like this, our gardens become more important for both resident and visiting birds.<\/p>\n Richard continued: \u201cMost garden birds can feed on bugs, berries and seeds.<\/p>\n But feeding up is a priority for them as they prepare for the coming colder months, and if they only have a limited source of food to rely on, then the competition really hots up.<\/p>\n If we don\u2019t experience a bit of a downpour \u2013 and soon \u2013 the race will be on to get to the last of this year\u2019s berries before the frosts really set in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s where we can help out \u2013 so get out and give your garden wildlife a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n Chris Packham, RSPB Vice President and BBC Autumnwatch presenter, said: \u201cWhat I love about feeding birds is you can see the good you are doing.<\/p>\n The way the birds will just pile into your garden looking for food tells you how important it is to them.\u00a0It makes me feel good about myself, knowing I could be helping a bird survive the winter and go on to raise chicks next year. It is a nice feeling. I recommend it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Water<\/strong><\/p>\n Through its Homes for Wildlife scheme, the RSPB has already helped create over 4,500 water features in gardens across the country in the last two years.<\/p>\n The scheme offers free wildlife gardening advice to those that sign up via www.rspb.org.uk\/hfw<\/a>.<\/p>\n The RSPB is holding over a hundred Feed The Birds Day events during the weekend of 24\/25 October.<\/p>\n There will be family fun events all over the UK with activities such as bird cake making, nest box building, nature trails and face painting. More information is available at www.rspb.org.uk\/feedthebirds<\/p>\n\n
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