analysis: Taking Care of the Winter Birds

Not all birds migrate

Notes:

• If you take a look outside this January afternoon you will note some birds flying about even though it is cold outside. But it doesn’t include all of the birds that you are familiar with during the summer; because many of the summer birds migrate south for the winter. Their migration is required in order to survive and find food.
• But not all birds migrate. Some bird species remain in the area even during the coldest days where they must find shelter and forage for food even during the harshest winter conditions.
• Even though they survive the winter without the help of humans, any little support you can provide will add to the strength they need to survive and manage the many dangers that winter brings on.

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They need a place to eat

Notes:

• The most important item you can offer for assistance is a place to eat. Though birds will happily feed at your bird feeder, note that most birds who feed also find most of their food by foraging. So they will survive with or without a bird feeder. But they certainly will welcome it; it’s an easy way to find food when other food sources are difficult to forage give the newly laid snow or drop in temperatures.
• Make sure to provide a feeder that is large enough for several birds to perch. Note that some birds are aggressive and will try to keep other birds away. So having a large feeder will allow the non-aggressive birds to fly in and grab something and fly way for safety.
• The best types of bird food to offer include:
  • black-oil sunflower seed
  • shelled peanuts
  • suet
  • good mixed seed
  • nyjer/thistle seed
  • safflower
  • cracked corn
  • INFO: view the full list and reasons

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•    some ideas to view and compare      

  bird feedershummingbird feederbird seedsbird feeding pole

They need a place to shelter

Notes:

• Winter birds have stored enough fat during the summer that they can survive the winter months with their feather coverings. So they can manage just fine. But it can become very difficult for them especially during winter storms and cold, windy conditions.
• You can certainly help by providing one or more bird houses where they can climb into during extreme cold weather conditions. Imagine there satisfaction having a house and bird feeder nearby to help them remain strong during harshest winter days.
• You might also consider a roost box along with a birdhouse. Roost boxes are used mostly for the cold winter days and nights. Several birds of the same species may climb in the roost box for cuddling warmth. Make sure your roost box and birdhouse are high enough and difficult to reach to prevent predators from invading the shelter.
• Other natural roosting areas you can provide include:
  • shrubs surrounding the house
  • other landscaping with lush trees and other foliage for protection
  • pile of leaves and rubbish where birds can huddle
  • roost pockets with straw and other materials where birds can climb into
  • in any cavities bored in wood or trees
  • INFO: How to Create Winter Shelter for Birds

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  bird housesroosting boxesbird nesting materials

They need water … and perhaps a warm bath

Notes:

• Water is very important for bird survival – they need it everyday. And when water sources freeze during extreme cold conditions, birds generally find water in snow and insects that they eat. But they would appreciate an open source of water such as a birdbath or water trough where access to water is freely available.
• Of course the bird bath or trough will need to be heated to keep the water from freezing. And it needs to be perched high enough for easy escape from approaching predators.
• The winter birds would also welcome a nice warm bath. They need to bathe regular in order to keep their feathers clean for preening. So providing sightly heated water during the winter allows them to clean themselves for winter protection.

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  bird bathsbird bath heatersolar bath heater

They loved to be watched

Notes:

• Winter is one of the best times to watch birds. Why? 1) the trees are generally bare where the birds can’t hide behind leaves; and 2) the surrounding snow makes the bird more visible. So it becomes easier to view and identify the different winter bird species.
• So get out your binoculars and the bird reference book and start watching. Your watch will be made easier with all of the winter items listed above. The winter birds will happily visit your backyard for food, shelter and water. One of the best ways to attract and watch birds.

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  bird watching biblebird watching binocularsbird watching camera

• What comments can you share about
  your helping out with winter birds