Winter Help for the Birds

 

WINTER HELP FOR THE BIRDS

Written by Colin Bartlett

Now that the winter weather has arrived it is important for the birds that the bird feeders and baths are available. Although birds do not put on fat to help keep them warm they do need to feed frequently to keep their energy levels full, as this is what will keep them warm during the night.

Keeping the feeder topped up with dry seed is a great help to many of the birds seen in the backyard but what about those that winter here and feed on berries and ground insects like the American Robins. One way is to place a piece of plywood, tarp, or some object on the garden or lawn. This cover will create a warm spot and keep the soil from freezing so when the snow flies simply move the cover which will allow access to the bugs in the garden. Another option is to turn the garden soil, about 12 inches deep, which will give access for the birds to find insects.

Other food that can be placed out for the robins and thrush are apples, blueberries, and even cranberries. Cut the apples into quarters or halves and place them along with the berries on a tray in a tree or area that you see the robins frequenting. You may also see the juncos and towhees enjoying them.

Water is another important part of bird daily living, especially in freezing temperatures. Birds use the water for drinking as well as bathing, even in the cold temperatures. They need to keep their feathers clean and organized to keep them warm. If there is any dirt in their feathers it allows cold to get in, similar if your winter coat had a hole in it. A bird bath heater can be used to keep a bird bath from freezing and attract the birds to your backyard as it will probably be the only water source available. The convenience is not going out every morning in the cold to deice the bird bath. If the bird bath is put away for the winter use a shallow dish, about one inch deep, as a temporary bird bath or with a deeper dish place some rocks in the dish to create a shallow pool for the birds.

Winter months are a hard time for the birds especially when covered in snow and ice. Each day the birds need to intake enough energy to survive the day and night and then do it all over again the next day. For most of our other backyard visitors keeping the bird feeders filled with good seed so that it is available first thing in the morning for them to top up their energy used over night is a great help.

Good Birding!

Colin Bartlett