Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Wintery Weather??? Feed the Birds!!



We have got another snow storm coming tomorrow. We got about a 10 inches of snow over the weekend, and close to 2 feet a week before that. For this next storm, they are expecting 6-10" inches.....but who knows??? We are so lucky to have a warm house to nest in while we watch all this snow fall happening.

It's times like these that I think about all the animals outside and what they are doing during this snowy weather. 

Many animals have ways of adapting to snow. Deer and other antlered mammals can use their snouts and hooves to push the snow off the plants they need to eat, amphibians and reptiles slow their bodies down to conserve energy, and some animals just pick up and leave. 

I've worried about the birds that stay in Maine during the winter. Birds have layers of feather to help them retain heat during cold temperatures. Being more social can help them to survive as well..... huddling together in groups can keep them warm, and help them to find the best food. Providing food for birds during the winter can be extremely helpful and fun!!!!! The most recent craft I did at the library was making bird feeders. 


It's truly simple. All you need to do it get a bagel, spread peanut butter (or lard) over one side, press that side into a bowl of birdseed and then flip it over and repeat the process on the other side. Tie a string around  and put it up in a tree!!!

Once you start feeding birds, especially in winter, you really should provide a regular supply of food. If you don't, birds could use all of their energy to fly to your house and then find that there is nothing there. You will notice a lot of activity in the early morning, when they need to get their energy up after the cold night, and late in the day, when they are preparing for night time. High fat foods are the best options for birds in winter. 

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