How can I help birds survive the cold weather?

Just as we rely on coats, hats and mittens to keep us warm in the face of winter's icy grip, birds employ a number of methods to survive the adversity of winter. And you can help! Food is the most essential element, providing birds with the energy, stamina and nutrition they need.

To stay warm, birds will expend energy very quickly, some losing up to 10% of their body weight on extremely cold nights. Most backyard birds need an ample supply of high-calorie foods such as black oil sunflower, insects and suet to keep up their high metabolic rate during cold snaps. Most songbirds will fill a special storage pouch in the esophagus with food before dark and digest the food overnight.

While birds are equipped to withstand most winter weather, survival can be made easier by providing food, a heated, open source of water and protection from the elements with natural plant cover or a roosting box. We can play a crucial role in helping birds survive when extremely cold conditions occur. At these times, a supply of food can mean the difference between life and death for a bird.

Dave