Backyard winter oasis

Flower & Garden Magazine, Nov-Dec, 1998 by Jennifer Curry

In the winter, birds spend their days searching for food to fuel their internal furnace so that they can make it through the long, cold nights. Since most foliage has withered away and insects are hibernating safely beneath the frozen ground, it is a difficult time for the birds.

Homeowners can help their neighborhood birds survive the harsh season by providing them with additional food, water and shelter. While birds are use to fending for themselves, the supplementary resources you provide make the tough season a little easier. Winter feedings also allow you to observe the birds without foliage obstructing your view.

Filling bird feeders later in the day provides birds with fuel and warmth for the night ahead. You might consider adding an additional feeder to your yard; this prevents crowding and lessens your refill trips in the cold.

Despite common belief, there is no pressing need for you to consistently fill your feeder. If you leave for vacation, the birds won't suffer, they'll simply rely on natural food sources. Studies show that even when birds have access to feeders, their diet mainly consists of natural resources. The only time you should be concerned about keeping your feeder full is during the harshest weather when the winter seeds and berries are covered with snow and ice.

Conservationists recommend that you consider how heavily birds rely on natural resources when you landscape; certain native plants hold their fruit throughout winter and evergreens provide much-needed shelter. Such plants provide an invaluable resource for wildlife and often include attractive yard staples such as juniper and crabapples.

Sue Wells of the National Bird-Feeding Society also suggests that gardeners refrain from cutting their gardens all the way back in the fall. The birds will pick the leftover seeds and vegetation clean as natural resources dwindle.

Like feeders, birdbaths become most important when freezing weather arrives. Birds need water to drink and to keep their feathers clean and fluffy for insulation. If you don't normally keep a birdbath, an overturned trash can lid filled with kettle water will work. Most pet stores sell birdbath heaters separately or built-in, and many models operate automatically. The heaters aren't too expensive, and the electricity cost is nominal. Margaret Barker of Project Feeder Watch warns against adding antifreeze to your birdbath. As some bird-watchers have discovered, placing a toxic substance in the birds' water source is a deadly no-no.

If you don't want the added hassle or expense of maintaining a bath, don't feel guilty; birds have been known to catch snowflakes in their beaks and break off icicles when creeks and ponds have frozen over.

On the other hand, if there aren't any sheltering shrubs or trees in your yard, you'll need to provide some form of shelter to maintain your bird population. Birdhouses can provide warmth in the winter, and establishing them earlier increases the likelihood that birds will nest there in the spring. You can also provide temporary shelter by placing your discarded Christmas tree by the feeder.

You shouldn't feel obligated to provide for the birds in the cold winter months; whatever resources you provide are helpful but not necessary. However, bird enthusiasts should remember that a friendly backyard habitat and year-round feeding will attract a large feeder population.

For more information on wildlife friendly landscaping, contact Backyard Conservation at 888-526-3227.