The RSPB is asking Westcountry residents to help the declining bird population in the south west.
Scillonians are being asked to supplement the bird’s diets with seeds, cheese, bacon rind and even live worms.
Tony Whitehead, south-west community education officer for the RSPB, told Scilly News ‘Winter can be a struggle for many of the nation’s birds so a little food, water and shelter can go a long way to keep them healthy.?
Two of the species on their ‘Concern List? are regular inhabitants of the islands, the house sparrow and starlings. House sparrow numbers have halved in the last 30 years while starlings have felt a knock on effect with a 66% decrease.
Scilly has a healthy bird population due to the milder winters but the RSPB believe that islanders should not become complacent.
See www.rspb.org.uk