Birds and the Winter
Well, the cold weather is just around the corner for many of us, and there are at least two things to think about concerning the “backyard beasts”...
The first involves the feed... Depending upon your location, as the temperature drops, it’s wise to increase the amount of fat and protein in the birds’ (and squirrels’) diet. Here on Cape Cod, my wife and I tend to shift towards a birdseed mix higher in sunflower seeds, and are careful to keep the suet feeder full.
(Oops! Time to refill the suet feeder!)
(Once again, to gain more information about this, contact this blog, talk with your neighbors, call your local natural-resource officers, etc.)
The second and less frequently considered need is simply that of water. Ironically, this need is all too often ignored. Birds, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, chipmunks, deer, et al have the same need for clean water as we humans have. And daily care combined with a water heater (for those freeze zones) will provide for that need.
So let me end with this... I know that the birds are wild animals, and I know that should we stop providing sustenance to them, most would survive... Still, a sudden loss of food or water stresses them. Besides... In this world crawling with humans, it’s the least we can do for out feathered and furry neighbors...
See you by the feeder...
Alan
Comments
Hi Alan! Enjoyed your blog and image! Good things to think about as winter approaches.
kathryn
Fallbrook, CA
Posted by: kathryn | October 21, 2006 1:02 PM
Good information! I have never used a suet feeder, but my dad does and he gets a larger variety of birds than I do with just the sunflower hearts I put out. However, I live in an apartment and only have the balcony - so I'm worried that the suet will make a bigger mess than the sunflower already does (a greasier mess, actually!). I'd love to hear any tricks and tips for preventing this so I too can enjoy suet feeding! Thanks! 20
Posted by: Janet | November 9, 2006 5:45 PM