PERCHED on a snow-covered twig, a robin proudly puffs out his chest in a perfect image of winter that could easily be mistaken for a Christmas card.

SUFFOLK: Perched on a snow-covered twig, a robin proudly puffs out his chest in a perfect image of winter that could easily be mistaken for a Christmas card.

But Britain's favourite bird was instead captured by amateur photographer Steve Plume, in his Great Blakenham garden.

Other images include a blackbird foraging for food in the snow, a redwing perched high in a tree and a starling pondering his next move.

However, life is far from picture-perfect for these iconic birds.

The recent snowfall has made it very difficult for them to find worms and insects, prompting a widespread appeal to homeowners for help to feed them.

Leaving fruit and nuts in your garden will not only keep the bird populations healthy through the winter months, but can also be extremely rewarding.

Mr Plume was able to take pictures of a variety of species after he scattered unwanted food in his back garden in Gipping Road.

The 46-year-old, who works for BT, said: “When the ground is covered in snow, these birds cannot feed. It is especially important to help the ground feeders such as Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares and Redwings.

“Throw out unwanted apples and pears on the lawn. They'll finish them off. This week after throwing out some fruit I counted 19 Blackbirds on the lawn as well as numerous finches, thrushes, robins, Starlings and Dunnocks. Keep the feeders clean and stocked up, scatter some food on the lawn and the birds will thank you for it.”

Mr Plume said it was the first time he had photographed Fieldfare and Redwings in his garden.

He said: “I am really pleased. They have come over here looking to escape the cold climates of northern Europe and seek safety in the British Isles, but now they have found similar conditions here.”

With no end to the cold spell - and heavy snowfall anticipated this week - the RSPB has also urged householders to put out food and water for wild creatures.

Graham Madge, from the RSPB, urged people to leave food in as many different areas as possible and keep unfrozen water in the garden.

Fastfacts

- Blackbird - The males live up to their name but, confusingly, females are brown, often with spots and streaks on their breasts. Its mellow song is also a favourite.

- Fieldfare - Large, colourful thrushes, much like a mistle thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. They are very social birds, spending the winter in flocks of anything from a dozen or two to several hundred strong.

- Redwing - Most commonly encountered in winter and is the UK's smallest true thrush. They roam across the countryside, feeding in fields and hedgerows, but rarely visiting gardens except in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. Only a few pairs nest in the UK.

- Robin - The UK's favourite bird. Despite their cute appearance, they are aggressively territorial and are quick to drive away intruders. They will sing at night next to street lights.

- Starling - Smaller than blackbirds, starlings look black at a distance but when seen closer are very glossy with a sheen of purples and greens.

SOURCE: RSPB