To review the September newsletter CLICK HERE
GardenSMART Newsletter Signup
 
Visit our Sponsors! encore azalea Dramm
Visit our Sponsors and win.
Help Prepare Birds for Winter

Help Prepare Birds for Winter

By Wild Birds Unlimited
Photo courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited

GardenSMART_image

Most people are unaware that not all birds fly south for the winter. In fact, some of the most colorful and lyrical songbirds, including jays, woodpeckers and chickadees, stay in the same area throughout the entire year. Wild birds use a variety of techniques to stay warm during the cold winter months; however, while they are equipped to withstand most winter weather, survival can be made easier by providing food, a heated, open source of water and protection from freezing temperatures with natural plant cover or a roosting box. These are only some steps to take in order to attract feathered guests into the backyard this winter.

First and foremost, food is the most crucial element for a bird’s winter survival. Providing birds with the energy, stamina and nutrition they need to stay warm will help immensely. Also, to stay warm, birds will expend energy very quickly, some losing up to 10 percent of their body weight on extremely cold nights. In these cases, an ample supply of high-calorie foods, such as black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet can be vital to a wild bird’s survival. 

In addition to supplying birds with food, birds also need a place to bathe when temperatures drop. Providing birds with an open water source will allow them to clean their feathers, which ultimately help birds stay warm. Also, a birdbath with open water is often the only way for some birds to drink, when it’s cold.

Many bird enthusiasts will use birdbath heaters to keep the water thawed during extensive below freezing temperatures. By either adding a heater to the water source or purchasing a birdbath with a built in heater, a bird bath in the winter has the potential to attract as many birds as bird food!

Finally, a natural plant cover or roosting box is also advised to help protect birds from harsh winters. By providing birds with these shelter options, you are also helping them secure safety from predators.


All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

Article URL:
https://www.GardenSMART.com/?p=articles&title=Help_Prepare_Birds_for_Winter


Back to Articles List                               


   
 
FEATURED ARTICLE
GardenSMART Featured Article

By Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens
Photos courtesy of Gibbs Garden

If you think the flower show is over once summer fades … think again. Fall has its own cast of joyful and colorful characters. For an interesting article, click here .

  Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!  
   
   
   
 
   
Copyright © 1998-2012 GSPC. All Rights Reserved.