IN the letters pages (The Press, July 30) Wendy Blanchard spoke of attracting the birds by feeding them.

I’ve always diligently fed the birds over winter until nature provides its wondrous bounty.

This year with the long cold and wet spring I’ve continued feeding until it warmed up.

I found with the heatwave baking the ground so hard that the ground feeding birds can’t access the worms and grubs, so I have been feeding them with mealworms (rehydrate with water) and seed.

I have kept away from feeding peanuts and fat balls and bread - the junk food of the bird world.

All animals and birds should be encouraged seek out their natural foods rather than handing out unhealthy food on a plate.

D M Deamer,

Penleys Grove Street,

Monkgate, York