Happy New Year, everyone! Burrr, can you feel that chill in the air? A polar vortex has swooped in, bringing freezing temperatures and some seriously frosty conditions to many parts of the country! While we’re all bundling up inside with our favorite blankets and hot drinks, let’s not forget about our feathered friends who brave the cold outside. Birds need our support more than ever during this chilly spell!
So, how can we help our backyard birds thrive when temperatures drop? Let’s dive into some simple and practical tips to ensure our avian pals stay cozy and well-fed!
1. Keep the Feeders Full!
Birds need extra energy to stay warm in the cold, so keeping your feeders stocked with high-quality birdseed is essential. Look for blends that include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet, which provide the necessary fat and calories to help them stay warm.
Bonus tip: Place feeders in sheltered spots to protect them from the wind and snow!
2. Provide Fresh Water
Like us, birds need water to survive, and icy conditions can make it difficult to find it. Consider adding a heated birdbath or regularly changing the water in an outdoor dish. Fresh, unfrozen water is a lifesaver for our feathered friends and can attract various species to your yard!
3. Create Shelter
Providing shelter is crucial during extreme cold. Leave some natural cover in your yard, like evergreen trees, shrubs, or brush piles, where birds can find protection from the elements. If you have birdhouses, make sure they’re clean and ready for occupancy. Birds often seek refuge in these cozy spaces during harsh weather.
We keep a pile of wood pallets and large branches in our backyard for the Carolina Wrens to use as shelter; they love it. Our backyard squirrels often attempt to disturb the wrens, but there are always areas in the pile that the squirrels can’t reach.
4. Keep an Eye on the Ground
Ground-feeding birds, like White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, may struggle to find seeds buried under snow. Toss some birdseed on the ground or in a tray feeder to help them out. Just be mindful of keeping the area clean to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
5. Be Patient and Observe
Take some time to enjoy the beauty of nature! Bundle up and sit by the window with a warm drink while you watch the birds visit your feeders. It’s an excellent way to connect with nature and appreciate the resilience of these amazing creatures.
As we navigate this cold spell brought on by the polar vortex, let’s do our part to support the birds that brighten our backyards. We can help them stay warm and well-fed during this challenging weather with a little extra effort. So, let’s keep our feeders full, provide fresh water, and create cozy shelters for our feathered friends.
Stay warm out there, and happy birdwatching!
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