Wow - so many lovely things being done for the birds it seems I was being at least little bit U
TeddyBare, the RSPB website has spoken:
"Bread
All types of bread are acceptable to birds, but ideally it should only be just one component in a varied diet. Bread does not contain the necessary protein and fat birds need from their diet, and so it can act as an empty filler. Although bread isn't harmful to birds, try not to offer it in large quantities, since its nutritional value is relatively low. A bird that is on a diet of predominantly, or only bread, can suffer from serious vitamin deficiencies, or starve."
Since they are actually starving, I would imagine that in these extreme circumstances the benefits of a bread-heavy diet would outweigh the disadvantages.
Your birds, Teddy, have had all sorts of treats this morning, so no problems there, and Rye bread sounds eminently suitable
Longtalljosie - our birds have pecked about in the snow for bits, but it sounds like a difficult balance between the birds finding the food and the cats finding the birds. The RSPB recommend putting food on open ground, so cats have nowhere to hide, but only you know what, er, proficient killers , your cats could be. Sounds like a feast awaits them!
addictedtomn - pannettone surely counts as a sort of bread; lucky birds
cocolepew - since dry Ready Brek is both oats and breakfast cereal (which is allowed, according to the RSPB, as long as water is provided as well,) that sounds great!