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Cardinals, herons, and water
Answers to readers' questions about Northern Cardinals at feeders, Great Blue Herons in the cold, and water sources in winter
Contributed by Julie Craves
Published: December 22, 2011
How do I best provide a water source for birds in winter, when temperatures are below freezing? — Chris Meldrum, Farmington Hills, Michigan
A backyard water feature is one of the best ways to attract birds, particularly species that might not otherwise visit a feeding station. Birds need water year-round, of course, but they are not dependent on us providing it in winter.
Even in freezing temperatures, birds are able to get water from the foods they eat, especially fruits and insects. Seeds have less moisture, but the seed-eating birds at your feeder will eat snow if water is not available in liquid form.
Birds also bathe in winter. In warmer weather, they fluff their feathers so that the water penetrates to the skin. In winter, bathing is probably more superficial so they don’t become soaked. They always shake vigorously after bathing to throw off excess water and prevent it from freezing on their feathers, which is obviously dangerous.
If you’d like to provide water in a colder climate, devices for keeping a birdbath or pond unfrozen in the winter are available from bird-feeding-supply or pet stores. Most use electricity.
New BirdWatching columnist Laura Erickson, in her book 101 Ways to Help Birds (which I highly recommend!), makes a point that our energy consumption and generation are a larger problem for birds than finding water in winter. I agree. A good alternative is a solar-powered birdbath de-icer. Solar-powered fountains are also available and keep water open longer in cold weather. (Read Laura’s winter feeding tips.)
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Why are cardinals the last species at my feeder every evening? — Miriam Smith, Vermilion, Ohio
Cardinals tend to be wary, uneasy, or skittish around feeding stations. You’ll often hear them uttering their mild-alarm chip notes when they are in the vicinity. I have seen their preference for visiting feeders at dawn and dusk, when fewer birds are present, characterized as “shyness” as well as a general intolerance of other birds.
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In Ohio, Great Blue Herons arrive as early as March, when the area often has lots of snow. How does a seemingly warm-weather bird survive and breed in cold conditions? — Carol Derry, Cary, North Carolina
Great Blue Herons are very adaptable, and like kingfishers and waterfowl, they will remain in an area year-round as long as it has open water. Great Blue Herons can be found in most of the lower 48 states in winter, although northern populations tend to move south to warmer foraging areas.
It takes about three months from the time an adult heron begins to build or refurbish a nest to the time its young become independent. Therefore, an early start to the breeding season is important.
Great Blue Herons eat mostly fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, but they also take small mammals, birds, and other items. It is not unusual for herons to venture 10-15 miles for food. Because of their varied diet and ability to forage long distances, cold weather or snow does not restrict when they begin nesting. (You can read about a heron rookery in Richmond, Virginia, in Hotspots Near You.)
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Is there a calorie-rich substitute for suet that can be used in warmer climates like Florida, where suet tends to melt or turn rancid? — Gail Becker, Orlando, Florida
Birds in mild climates probably don’t need high-fat or calorie-dense foods as frequently as birds from cold areas. However, you might try live or dried mealworms, waxworms, or other grubs — insect larvae sold for use as wild-bird food.
Offering the items so that they are not all consumed by squirrels or just a few greedy birds can be tricky. Check your local wild-bird-feeding store for special feeders and recommendations. Bear in mind that black-oil sunflower seeds and peanuts are also high in calories and easier to store and dispense. |
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