Helping Birds Survive the Cold During National Bird Feeding Month 2026

Residents of Manchester got a surprise on February 2nd, as an elaborate display of bird feeders was installed on a popular local tree in the Levenshulme area. The installation was designed to raise awareness of National Bird Feeding Month and encourage people to feed birds at home when they need it most during the winter months.

About National Bird Feeding Month

National Bird Feeding Month takes place in February each year in the UK and US.  It was established to educate the public on the important role of feeding birds during extended cold spells, when the stakes are incredibly high for wild birds.

Facts & Stats

  • During extended winter cold spells, the mortality rate can reach 50% for some garden bird species if supplementary food and water are not provided – RSPB
  • Winter exposure is rarely the cause of mortality. It occurs when birds deplete their body reserves as a result of food deprivation – The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
  • Small birds can lose up to 10% of their body weight during a winter night to stay warm – Woodland Trust
  • Small birds can consume up to 30% of their body weight in food every 24 hours to survive the cold nights. – Ark Wildlife

By putting out a simple feeder in your garden, you are helping improve the statistics above and help larger bird population make it through the winter

Bird feeder made from a hollowed-out melon

Raising Awareness

To help raise awareness for National Bird Feeding Month this year, the team at Wire Fence installed an elaborate display of DIY bird feeders.

The goal of the display was to show that helping to feed birds can be simple and inexpensive. Every feeder in the installation was made from common household items—showing that anyone can make a difference with what they already have at home.

The display also featured a QR code linking to instructions to make the feeders at home, encouraging passersby to start feeding birds in their gardens.

If you have any questions or comments about this campaign, please contact John Marlen Summers.