Robins maintain territory throughout the year and if you hear a bird singing long after dark its most likely to be our red-breasted friend.

They often burst into song when close to street lighting or when startled by sudden noises.

I mentioned the importance of water for birds earlier this winter and if you've been blessed with much drinking and bathing by your garden visitors do remember to give your birdbath a regular clean.

Change the water frequently and clean with a soft scrubbing brush. Keep it topped up too. Starlings regularly bathe on masse and once they've finished splashing about it will be almost empty!

On the subject of water, take a walk close to a river, lake or reservoir this month if you get chance. You'd be unlucky not to spot swathes of ducks, swans and geese and our native wildfowl will be joined by many winter migrants too.

Whooper and Bewick's swans, brent and barnacle geese and little egrets are just some of the winter gems you might see and they'll certainly brighten up a wintry day.

Finally, good luck to everyone finishing off their Christmas shopping. I like to think I'm almost there but I always remember something at the eleventh hour!

A great gift for anyone is a nest box – I bought some for friends and family last year and they went down a storm.

Whether you choose a classic box suitable for lots of garden visitors or a specific one for robins, sparrows or wrens you will help attract wildlife to your loved-ones gardens and this is a present that lasts all year.

Merry Christmas.

Kate

For a great range of nestboxes and other Christmas gifts visit www.rspbshop.co.uk or call 0845 1200 501.

For more information on wildlife gardening visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw.