FARMERS are helping birds survive the winter by planting seed crops. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Cymru teamed up with farmers in the Mawddach Valley, near Dolgellau. It is hoped to provide an extra boost for farmland birds, especially the declining yellowhammer. The yellowhammer population in Wales plummeted by 39% between 1994 and 2003, partly due to the lack of winter food, especially on all-grass farms. RSPB Cymru is encouraging farm-ers and landowners to plant seed-rich crops in the spring to provide a vital source of food for the birds during the winter months. Two farms in the Mawddach Valley are already enlisted on the scheme. The Williams', at Ty'n Twll, in Bontddu, and the Ellis', at Hafod Dywyll, in Islaw'rdref, planted crops which will be left unharvested over winter. It is hoped yellowhammers and other birds such as chaffinches, house sparrows, goldfinches, green-finches and linnets will feast on the crops. Sue Ellis said: "Eleven years ago we joined the Tir Cymen scheme, through which we planted hedges, regenerated woodlands and put up nest boxes and we've definitely enjoyed an increase in bird life as a result which has been commented on by our campsite visitors." The yellowhammer is a "bunting" with a long, forked tail. Male yellowhammers have a vivid yellow head and breast in spring, rich brown streaky back and a reddish-brown rump. Females are browner but also have yellow in their plumage. Their song can be heard in spring. RSPB Cymru Community Project Officer Jan Baylis said: "It has been great to work with local farmers on these projects. "It would be impossible to do such work to help farmland bird numbers increase without their support, enthusiasm and encouragement. "Once the crops have matured, we will be monitoring them to see which birds are using it, and how many there are. "It is excellent to see that vintage machinery can still be used on modern farms. Hefin Ellis has taken this opportunity to use his vintage International crawler, which dates back to the 1930s, on his steep field and also used an Aero broadcast hand seedsower." RSPB Cymru would like to hear from anyone willing to help monitor farmland birds. Contact Jan Baylis on (01341) 423152. | 
