|
The kids are back to school, football season is in full swing, and the leaves are beginning to hint at a change of color.
Fall has arrived, and winter is not far away. So what does that mean for the birds? Of course, many birds are migratory, winging
their way to warmer climes for winter.
Purple martins, thrushes, and many other species spend the winter months down south. In fact, purple martins vacation
in the Amazon region of South America every year! There are also many birds that do not go far, if anywhere, in winter. Many
types of wren are sedentary; winter wrens, however, migrate to the US from northern Canada. Chickadees, nuthatches, titmice,
bluebirds, and cardinals all either maintain their ranges or make very short migrations over winter.
There are many more examples, but the point is simply that winter birds in North America are quite abundant. Winter
can be very harsh. Many birds die because of a lack of insects and seeds to eat. The lack of food is partially attributable
to destruction of woodlands and other natural habitats by humans.
Thankfully, many caring, conscientious people put out seed and suet feeders to help counteract that effect. These bird feeders are an immensely valuable resource when food is scarce. Another great help sometimes provided by humans is the winter roosting box.
These are essentially boxes with perches inside, where our frosty feathered friends can find shelter from the elements.
Many bird feeders and winter roosting boxes are quite inexpensive, often costing less than $35. Many times, manufacturers
make these items in a decorative fashion to add a pleasant appeal to backyards and gardens.
Landscape beautification and wild bird salvation all in oneľ how can that be beaten? The birds that winter in North
America obviously are adapted to the climate and know how to survive. Knowing how to find seeds to eat, and actually finding
seeds to eat are two different things. Sometimes a sudden change in the weather or some other unexpected condition arises
that makes getting a meal substantially more difficult.
Even just a fresh layer of snow can cover up many sources of food in a couple of hours. Certainly, it is unavoidable
that some birds will die from the cold. No amount of bird feeders or winter roosting boxes can stay the powerful hand of nature.
However, many birds will succumb unnecessarily and prematurely. This is in many cases caused, whether directly or indirectly,
by the actions of humans. The paradox is that the actions of humans can also save these wonderful creatures. Something as
simple as a seed or suet bird feeder and a winter roosting box is a very important first step. About the Author
Michael Rasco is the owner of UtopiaBirdHouses.com, a website committed to providing high quality birding products and wild bird information.
|
