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THESE BERRIES WILL MAKE YOUR GARDEN A MAGNET FOR BIRDS, SAYS HANNAH STEPHENSON

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GROWING berry-bearing shrubs and trees is an almost guaranteed way to help birds in the garden stock up ready for winter.

Yet there are some berries that seem to be taken in preference to others, or which certain species of birds prefer, says Adrian Thomas, RSPB wildlife gardening expert.

"In particular, birds seem to prefer red berries, but that doesn’t mean that more unusual colours are to be avoided," he observes.

"Those which ripen to pink, white or yellow may often be those that remain into the middle of winter when birds such as waxwings can be desperate for them.

"Of course there is even a British bird that is named because of its association with berries - the mistle thrush, which adores mistletoe.

"I wouldn't be without lots of berry-bearing plants in the garden.

"To see flocks of birds descend on them in a feeding frenzy is always exciting, and if any of the feast lasts until winter, the chance of attracting redwings, fieldfares or even the rare waxwing is a winter treat for us, too."