BIRDS are braving the snowstorms and flocking to Essex gardens in record numbers, and bird food sales have doubled to accommodate the herons, jays and woodpeckers.

Birds starve during these harsh conditions, because berries, insects and seeds freeze, but the benevolent people of our county have rescued their fine feathered friends with food and water.

Sid Saich, who has owned the Westware hardware store on Forest Drive, Chelmsford, for 38 years, said sales of bird feed have doubled since the arctic weather descended upon Essex.

"I used to order the bird food supplies fortnightly, but I've had to start ordering it weekly because of the demand," he said.

"I think this is one of the worst winters I've seen, so we have to look after the birds as they can't do it for themselves."

And the ornithologists have been rewarded with sightings of rare birds in need of a slap-up meal.

Dr Tim Harrison, of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), said: "Essex householders can be amazed at the birds that they have in their gardens.

"During the past four weeks, the county's gardens have held 58 species including garden rarities such as skylark and linnet.

"Other species have been observed in unusually high numbers including fieldfare, collared Dove and the tiny goldcrest."

Natalie Bolton, manager at Chelmsford's independent millers Marriages, said they have had to double their supplies of bird feed on the back of the icy weather to keep up with demand.

"We're selling five tonnes of wild bird seed each week, much more than we'd normally sell at this time of year, we're struggling to keep up."

And their sales are not all commercial.

"We've got a couple of shops who buy from us, but our customers are generally everyday people who just like feeding the birds."

Nick Mathys, who owns Havengore Hardware in Springfield, said feeding birds has become more popular in recent years and sales particularly shoot up during wintry weather

"Sales of bird feed can double or treble when there is snow," he said. "Once it is on the ground the birds do find it very hard to get food. "The suburban gardens of Chelmsford are valuable bird sanctuaries and the more shelter and food people can give them the better."

Mr Saich, has offered advice to anyone thinking of putting out food.

He said: "It's better to put bird feed on bird tables or in holders, so other animals can't get to them.

"By putting the food on the ground, birds become vulnerable to cats, so try to put it as high up as possible."

He added that providing a constant supply of fresh water is also key to birds surviving the colder weather.