Winter Basics--The Three "B"s

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

For birds, winter is all about conserving energy and staying warm. By midwinter, natural seed sources are often scarce, water is frozen and the leafy underbrush of summer is gone, leaving few places for birds and small animals to shelter from cold winds and snow. When we supply food, water and shelter for birds, they don't need to use as much energy seeking out these resources and their chances of survival increase. And it doesn't have to be complicated; even a small contribution from us will give birds a big boost. Just remember the three "B"s!

Black oil seed: Economical and high energy--if you can only afford to offer one type of seed, this should be it. There are actually several varieties of black oil sunflower seed. Grown primarily to be pressed into sunflower oil, or sold as a snack food, sunflower seed provides many health benefits for humans and birds alike. The high oil content supplies essential fatty acids as well as protein and minerals. And all your winter birds will love these seeds. Feel free to offer as many types of foods as you like, but black oil sunflower seed should be the staple of any feeding program.

Birdbaths: Birds get most of their water requirements in summer by the foods they eat, which may include insects and berries. But in winter, these foods are gone. Birds need water to prevent dehydration and to help digest their food. Birdbaths, especially when heated, may provide the only open water available for birds to drink during freezing winter weather. On a warmer, sunny day, the birds might even enjoy a brief dip, so be sure to place your bath near bushes or trees that the birds can take refuge in while they dry off.

Boxes: Wind and blowing snow make the most difficult conditions for a bird to stay warm. You might notice lots of birds at your feeder on a still day in winter even if it's very cold. But in windy weather, birds seek shelter instead. For some birds this might be a bird house, a cavity in a tree, such as an abandoned woodpecker nest or maybe just a sheltered spot under dead branches. Roosting boxes make better shelters than bird houses. They're made with the hole at the bottom, instead of the top as in a nesting box. The closed upper portion retains heat and prevents drafts. Roosting boxes are fitted with perches for the birds to rest on and many birds might share the same box. It's fun to feed birds and invite them into our yards, but if we provide all three of a bird's basic needs, we can really help birds survive a long, cold winter.

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Posted at Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:39 AM
In Wild Bird Feeding Category | Permalink