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Here in Michigan and other temperate
climates, winter survival is everything for wild
birds. The search for food starts at dawn and continues till
dusk. If a bird is able to eat enough, it will store enough energy to survive a cold winter's
night. It then starts all over for another day. Wild birds or backyard birds depend on every
seed, berry or insect it may find. With the continual decline of natural habitats, birds need
our helping hands. Caring and feeding for wild birds helps them to
survive the winter and also gives you a sense of doing good. Helping out nature instead of
taking from her. Birds require food, fresh water, shelter from the elements and protection
from predators.
FOOD:
High energy food is important. Suet, peanuts,
black oil sunflower seed all high energy food high in fat and
protein. Nyjer thistle is a high source of energy for finches as well. Cage feeders are designed to
hold suet cakes, Tube and hopper feeders are designed to accommodate a variety of birds. Platform
and peanut feeders are also available. Pack down an area and toss some cracked corn and white
millet for the ground scratching birds to enjoy.
FRESH WATER:
I emphasize FRESH WATER here. With a lack of
natural water sources available in cold winter months, water can be scarce. Fresh water even
more so. While birds will and do eat snow, this drives down their body
temperature and uses valuable energy to melt the snow and warm back up. Offer up some water with a
heated birdbath or put a heater in your current bath. Heaters cost no more to run the a light bulb
and can save a birds life. Look for heaters that come with a minimum three year
guarantee.
SHELTER:
Shelter from the harsh winter winds and a place to
snuggle. Use your old Christmas tree, or hang a roosting box. Plant lots of bushes and trees
for your birds to roost in. Evergreens work wonders here as a wind
brake and protection from snow fall. Most birds will die at night from a lack of food, water and
protection. Food and water are life's essentials, protection helps your birds to conserve vital
calories.
PROTECTION:
Birds need to feel safe from danger and offering protection will keep your
birds coming back. Place your feeders and Fresh water source near trees and bushes, out in
the open, enough for your birds to see if hawks are around and away from places where cats
might hide. By placing your feeding stations 10 to 20 feet from trees and shrubs, your birds
have an open view and can escape most attacks from the air or
the ground. Research shows that birds get 25% of their food from human sources. How important is
that 25% on any given winter's night? Backyard birding is a healthy hobby for all and just about
anyone can feed the birds. A hobby that can last a lifetime!
About the author:
Ron Patterson has been more then 40 years of experience and knowledge caring for backyard
birds. Along with his bird knowledge, Ron is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. Ron Has combined his
expertise to help others enjoy wild birds more and teaches how to garden for birds. Get Ron's
newsletter at:
http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/
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