Anyone with a garden urged to check for one bird as snow returns to UK

Snow could be on its way to the UK this weekend, with the first forecasts of flurries this winter landing this week according to some forecasts.

Whenever the snow does arrive, anyone with a garden is being urged to check for the presence of one rare bird which usually appears when it's snowing or very cold and icy.

It's not some mythical creature, but redwings. The smallest true thrush in the UK, redwings only usually turn up in people's gardens when it's snowing or very cold.

That's because when snow and ice covers fields, they can no longer get access to their main food supply of worms and slugs.

Instead of roaming farm fields, hedgerows and countryside, redwings turn in their desperation to scavenging gardens during cold and snowy weather.

Garden experts 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 help hungry redwings, gardeners are being urged to leave out sliced apples.

Redwings enjoy apples, especially when food is scarce. Simply slice apples in half and leave them on your lawn.

Redwings are ground feeders, so they will be more likely to eat food left on the grass rather than high up on tables and hanging feeders.

The Woodland Trust adds: "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."