When winter arrives, the land changes dramatically, heavy winds and snow rewrite nature. As we huddle inside for warmth, let us remember the winter struggles of our feathered friends. This post will examine birds’ winter condition and offer guidance on actions we can take to help. Celebrate with us for our part in helping our feathered friends through this challenging time.
Many birds struggle in the winter, usually not only due to lack of food, but in some cases lack of water, harsh weather and short day length. Rivers and lakes freeze up, making sources of drinkable water hard to come by. Brutal temperatures desicate natural food sources such as insects and berries, and a lack of daylight limits their foraging hours. Reduction in foliage leaves birds without sufficient shelter, affecting their aliveness and security overnight. Massive flocks of migratory birds travel thousands of miles, stopping at temporary rest areas and feeding stations, where they refuel for the rest of their arduous flight. Winter can be a harsh time for our feathered friends, equally highlighting the heroics we can perform to help these small, furry companions through the season.
Birds, like any other wildlife, face additional challenges during the winter months and need both additional food and shelter resources. For an in-depth exploration of the best seeds to offer birds in winter, see our article on feeding birds in winter. In the sections that follow, we offer more specific tips for ways you can help birds winter better this year.
Feeding birds through the winter involves a multi-faceted effort. Finally, do not forget that even little helps. Before we jump into three tips for supporting birds throughout winter, let’s answer the most common question: Are we able to put bird feeders out in winter? Some people fear feeders could affect migratory patterns. Though bird feeders are probably not going to make a dent in the larger picture of avian migration. The latter point is important and counterintuitive, as man-made feeding stations do not dissuade birds from their migratory patterns — they are controlled by environmental factors and innate genes. Now that that’s clear, let’s look at 3 ways you can help resident and migratory birds through the winter season.
If you can help birds in the freezing months by feeding and watering them, you have a good chance of getting birds through even the worst winter conditions. Hang feeders with energy-rich food to help sustain birds in the cold. Keep the bird feeder stocked, the seeds healthy to replenish the cold, trembling birds. Consider the sheltered location where you place the feeder as well, as under tree branches, a shed, or in a covered porch or eave, to protect the feeder from strong wind gusts and heavy snow. Be sure to give it cover while still allowing the feeder to receive some sunlight so that it doesn’t become completely covered. You can even position the feeder to preserve optimal temperature in the vicinity of light fixtures or lamps that produce mild heat. Just be sure to clean the feeder regularly and replace or refill the food as soon as you run out. If you have a hummingbird feeder, have it full in the early morning to help these little visitors.
Water is just as important to birds in winter. With lakes and rivers frozen, the birds have a difficult time finding water to drink and clean themselves. You can do your part by offering a shallow basin filled with warm water as a bird bath. Not only will this help them survive, but it also leads to a higher number of birds visiting. Fear not for the water soaking the birds; they have oil-producing glands that waterproof their feathers. It’s also important to refill the water bath regularly, and, to make sure it is warm enough to be beneficial to the birds.
A bird friendly habitat is important for attracting birds to your feeders. There are two things to keep in mind about it:
Welcoming shelters and nesting boxes
Cavity-nesting birds that prefer more enclosed spaces, such as downy woodpeckers and chickadees, will enjoy having birdhouses and nesting boxes available. These structures consist of small holes or compartments that offer a safe and comfortable environment for birds to nest and rear their chicks. Basic stick piles and piled up woody debris can also act as roost sites for birds. Adding to the list of things you do not need to do while tidying up your backyard: remove all leaf litter — it provides an important food source for songbirds (insects and eggs).
Edible plantings and natural landscaping
Learn about winter native plants that attract birds. Add these plants to your garden to make a beautiful, natural space for birds. Native planting not only attracts birds, but also provides cover from predators. Evergreen trees and shrubs that have edible berries also supply food for birds, so do plant them. You can create an attractive destination for birds by establishing proper shelters and adding natural plantings.
Knowledge is a crucial tool to help us relate further to our endearing furry companions and you should have this knowledge for yourself & others around you. This hard work isn’t just in nasty long months like winter, it’s a year-round mission. There are plenty of ways to get involved in bird education and conservation, whether accompanying your family on bird survey projects or taking a more active role in local bird conservation organizations. Not only do these activities play an essential role in the conservation of bird populations, but they also offer enriching experiences and chances to learn more about these intriguing creatures.
bird knowledge
With these tips we can keep giving the love that we have so much for our pets birds, creating the bond we have with the nature that surrounds us. While wintertime may have its own challenges, it also provides an opportunity for us to come together, fueled by our love for these amazing, hardy animals. Originally focused on visible issues like pollution, litter and, surprisingly, litter, we now aim to bring attention to both, truly through the means of gratitude to our avian companions, as we hope to do something for them every single day, even through the ugliness and rain of the harshest season.
