According to the RSPB temporary food shortages can occur almost any time in the year.

It really helps in autumn and winter to put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon.

Birds require high energy foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights.

During the summer months, birds require high protein foods.

Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds or good seed mixtures will do the trick nicely.