UK gardeners urged to check for one bird as cold temperatures and snow returns
Redwings are the UK's smallest true thrush and are rarely seen in gardens - but they will turn up when it's snowing or very cold and icy.
Snow could be on the horizon for the UK this weekend, with the first winter flurries predicted to arrive this week, according to some weather forecasts.
As the snowflakes start to fall, Brits with gardens are being urged to keep an eye out for a rare bird that typically makes an appearance during snowy or icy conditions.
It's not some elusive creature from folklore, but rather the redwing. As the smallest true thrush in the UK, redwings usually only venture into our gardens when it's snowing or particularly chilly.
This is because when fields are blanketed in snow and ice, these birds can no longer access their primary food sources of worms and slugs.
Instead of scouring farm fields, hedgerows and the countryside, redwings, driven by hunger, resort to scavenging in gardens during cold and snowy spells, reports the Express.
Garden experts at Pergolux UK explain: "A winter visitor to the UK, Redwings make an appearance in winter time and are the UK's smallest true thrush.
"They can be found roaming across the countryside and hedgerows, and very rarely visit gardens unless there's any snow covering in fields. Keep an eye out for appearances in the garden during the next snowfall."
To assist these hungry redwings, gardeners are being encouraged to leave out sliced apples.
Redwings have a fondness for apples, especially when other food is scarce. Simply slice apples in half and scatter them on your lawn.
As ground feeders, redwings are more likely to eat food left on the grass rather than perched high up on tables and hanging feeders.
The Woodland Trust has said: "As redwings only visit the UK during the winter, this is the time to be on the lookout for them. These social birds can often be seen in flocks with fieldfares, foraging for food.
"Having a hawthorn or rowan bush in your garden is a great way of increasing your chances of sighting one, as is leaving apples and mealworms out for them on bird feeders.
"Due to the tiny numbers that breed in the UK (usually less than 20) the redwing is classed as a Red List species of conservation concern. It is believed that climate change could ultimately cause the loss of this already small breeding population."