As the Big Freeze continues experts are warning that millions of birds are facing death becasue of scarce food supplies decimate the population.
Snow covered gardens and frozen ponds have left many birds without food which has prompted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to urge local people to put out supples of food and fresh water.
RSPB’s director of conservation, Dr Mark Avery, said: "During freezing conditions birds use far more energy than usual keeping warm, so they have to spend more time fattening themselves up.
"If they can’t find sufficient food to replace their energy levels then these birds are existing on borrowed time."
Wetland birds such as ducks, geese and swans, are also in danger.
Staff at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, in Fish Lane, Burscough, have reported an influx of 1000 extra swans which have migrated from as far as Iceland and Russia to escape the cold weather.
Centre Manager, Andy Wooldridge, said: "With the extra birds we are feeding around 1500-2000 swans and several thousand ducks.
"The swans on our site usually disperse throughout the day to feed elsewhere but as with most animals, in cold weather they stay put to conserve energy.
"We have increased feeds to three times a day, using up to a tonne of wheat each time, but beyond that there is not much we can do."
A number of dead swans have already been spotted around the centre's grounds, with more expected to be found after the thaw.
However the real, more serious, effects of the big freeze may not be seen until as late as March.
Andy said: "Breeding season takes it's toll on a bird's body and, if it has been weakened throughout the winter months, the added stress could kill it."
Lack of food is not the only issue threatening the creatures' survival.
Sheets of ice covering the centre's lakes and ponds prevent the birds from washing and preening, which is necessary for keeping their feathers oiled.
Without oil, a bird's feathers can become diseased and waterlogged, which affects their ability to swim and can even cause them to sink.
Staff at the mere are having to constantly break the ice and re-pump water to keep the animals safe.
Visitors to the countryside are also warned of the dangers of disturbing wild birds during the cold weather.
Assistant Rescue Manager, Tom Clare, said: "Large flocks of wetland birds can be disturbed by people getting too close to them.
"Frightened birds will use up energy which they are unable to replace in these temperatures and, as the birds are wild, we cannot do anything to alter their fate.
"We just have to hope the big freeze ends soon."
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