Birds in Winter

Winter is not an easy time for birds. Not all of them are genetically programmed to head south for the duration. Imagine if you had to stay outside in freezing weather the entire winter! A bird-friendly habitat may make the difference to their survival.

The birds that visit your neighborhood vary with the seasons-not only the species, but also the individuals. Some species, such as downy woodpeckers, may be year-round residents. Others-dark-eyed juncos and ruddy ducks for example, are winter visitors. You will see hummingbirds only from late spring until early fall. Species such as rose-breasted grosbeaks may visit only during spring and fall migration. Robins may migrate only a few miles, and return temporarily if the weather becomes milder.

Many birds flock together for survival in the winter. The ones that seem to be most noticeable are starlings and crows. Starlings may gather by the thousands. Once they have flocked, breaking up the flock may mean death to many of its members. Practice and teach tolerance. The most effective way to prevent flocking is to change the habitat, but this should be done in the warm season.

How can you help?

• Winter is the most important time to offer water. There's no easy way to keep water from freezing-glycerin and antifreeze will kill birds. The only way to keep water from freezing is to add an electric water-warmer, or if the temperature is marginally freezing, keep a running water source. Remember to be careful with electricity and water! Use a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed warmer, and connect your appliance to a GFIC (ground-fault interrupt circuit) outdoor socket.
• Landscape your yard with plants and trees that provide food in late fall and throughout the winter. These are a few, although there are many that fit that description: highbush cranberry, American elderberry, Staghorn sumac, common winterberry, flowering dogwood, white oak, and chokeberry.
• Provide cover plantings for foraging, nesting sites, and protection from predators. These plantings should be dense (they can be thorny) and allowed to grow in their natural form. Hedging and shearing discourages nesting birds, depletes surplus leaves needed for nest building, and removes flower and fruit food sources. Cover plants should be located close enough (within 15 to 20 feet) to bird feeders to provide quick protection from predators, yet far enough away so they do not provide "ambush sites" for cats. Your retired Christmas tree (minus decorations) is a great cover source when placed in your back yard.
• Early autumn is the harvest time. There is more natural food available-seeds, fruits and insects-than at any other time of the year. Because the birds do not require much artificial help, they do not come as often to feeders. If you are feeding, do not give up. They will be back, and they will appreciate your assistance throughout the winter. Provide hanging feeders, and don't worry-since bird feet do not have sweat glands, they will not freeze to the metal perches.has excellent information on skunks, raccoons, rats, and mice, too.