SWAN warden Terry Coombs is urging people to feed the birds wheat not bread this winter.

Mr Coombs’ call comes after the discovery of two dead cygnets in Radipole Lake in Weymouth since the latest cold snap.

Mr Coombs, who has been the borough council’s swan warden since last February and assisted his late wife Iona when she was in the role for 20 years, said: “I’m responsible for looking after the swans on Radipole Lake and we have lost two cygnets since this cold snap started.

“We won’t be able to save everything at this time of year but the quality of their food makes a big difference.

“Bread is better than nothing for them but it tends to go straight through them.

“Wheat is much better for them and sets them up better to survive the cold winter months.

“Birds’ digestive systems are very poor at the best of times and they have to eat a lot of greenery to get any goodness.

“I don’t want people to stop feeding the birds - they really rely on this - but I would prefer people to feed them wheat where possible.

“I would also ask people to feed birds in the water rather than on land since birds need to take down water to digest their food.

“Eating food on land for birds is like humans eating dry crackers without any water and it’s no good for them.”

Mr Coombs added that the RSPB Centre at Radipole Lake will provide wheat to feed the birds for small donations.

Wheat can also be bought at pet stores.

Weymouth’s wetlands manager Nick Tomlinson added: “We’re supporting Terry in what he’s saying.

“These cygnets were lost as a result of the food they were eating and there’s no doubt that birds have been suffering in the recent cold weather.”

Mr Tomlinson advised people who feed birds in their garden to ensure they put out foods such as seed, nuts, fruit and fat.

People are advised to avoid using fat feeders encased in mesh as birds have been getting caught in the mesh. Instead, people are encouraged to use half coconut shell feeders or similar.

Bird feeders should be suspended near cover and bird baths should be kept clean and clear of ice, as it is important for birds to keep their feathers clean during the winter months.