Gardens provide cosy cafes for birds throughout spring, summer, and autumn, when trees are filled with fruit and plants are speckled with berries and insects buzz through flower beds.
But winter is a season of leafless trees and colourless foliage, when fruit and flowers fade from our gardens and many insects enter diapause - a hibernation-like state that sees their bodies shut down so they can survive the chilly weather.
Although birds have adapted to survive these challenging conditions, they no doubt appreciate finding a freshly-filled feeder at the bottom of a garden. Here we consider the relationship between birds and feeders - and explore additional ways you can transform your garden into a bountiful banquet.