Now that we are in the throws of
winter, and the coldest month of the year is upon us, it is a good time to
assess how the birds are doing. This
time of year is especially difficult for them.
If given a little assistance, their chances of survival are greatly
increased.
One of the easiest things to
provide, and high on the list of needs, is water. Adding a heater or deicer coil to an existing
birdbath can provide the perfect winter oasis for your feathered friends. Just be sure to keep the birdbath clean.
Providing shelter is another way to
help. There is a shortage of nesting
sites for cavity-nesting birds due to land development, and the use of
pesticides. The use of birdhouses and nesting boxes has helped many species
make a comeback. Landscaping that
provides shelter can also be a great help.
Evergreen trees and shrubs provide a welcome resting place out of the
wind, snow or rain. Birds gather in
groups towards the inside and huddle together to create more warmth. Placing food and water near these nesting or
respite areas allows them to make shorter journeys for these things. More than 50 species of birds will use
birdhouses including Chickadees, Bluebirds, Titmice, Woodpeckers, Wrens,
Swallows and Nuthatches.
One of the requirements for a good
bird house is that it must to be able to open up for cleaning. They must have ventilation holes in the
bottom (these should be plugged up for winter roosting). The houses should have a slanted roof to
allow for water runoff, and it should NOT have perches. Cavity-nesting birds do not need them, and
the perches only allow predator access to the nest.
T
he final piece of the puzzle is
providing food. Particularly here in
Missouri, winter is a difficult time for the bird species that have chosen to
overwinter here. The days are short and
cold. There is little to no vegetation,
and most of the insects are dead or dormant.
Now is an excellent time to purchase a feeder if you do not already have
one. Most songbirds feed on insects and
spiders during the spring and summer; however, the non-migratory species switch
to fruit and seeds in the fall and winter.
Black oil sunflower seeds are preferred by the largest number of bird
species. Not only are these seeds very
nutritious and high in fat, but their small size makes them easier for smaller
species to split them open. Be sure to
scatter some seed on the ground and beneath trees and shrubs for birds that
prefer to feed in these locations.
Feeders with platforms provide the right type of feeding station for
species that do not perch, such as Cardinals.
High-energy food, like suet and peanut butter, are an added benefit for
all birds and provide much needed fat.
So I hope now you enjoy the antics of our feathered friends.
Having fun in the garden,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
