If you live in the north-eastern portion of North America, you likely experienced a touch of the polar vortex that sent thermometers crashing over the past couple of days. Here in Almonte, we experienced temperatures with a wind chill of roughly minus 44 degrees Celsius. That being said, there were a number of us who braved the cold weather and got out to enjoy Valentine’s weekend.
Among other events, this weekend marked the 16th Great Backyard Bird Count and we began our residency at Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush.
Often times when the temperatures dip this low, we often are left thinking about the wild animals that inhabit the nearby forested areas and how truly amazing it is how well they are equipped to deal with extremely cold temperatures. Birds are no different than any other creature in the animal kingdom, they are built, have adapted and can tough out even the coldest of temperatures. In addition to their evolutionary history, birds do combine a couple of external factors with their remarkable ability to adapt.
Food
This is the number one survival mechanism of our feathered friends during the frigid winter months. While most of us would generally assume that birds just constantly forage for food, which is generally true, they actually have an acute sense for subtle changes in air pressure. These senses alert birds to the possibility of poor weather and they instinctively look for reliable food sources and bulk up as much as possible.
Seed blends such as our Seasons Woodland and Seasons Urban are the absolute best bet for winter birds. This seed blend is constructed for cold winter days with its rich base of carbohydrates which aids in stimulating body heat in birds. Our seed is just that; 100% seed, built with only the highest grade of seed available based on the study of birds, contains no waste or filler, is non-GMO and is pesticide free and packaged in a biodegradable bag. Our Mill Creek Bird Seed out performs all other seed blends and has the highest consumer value on the market today!
Shelter
Number two behind food is shelter. Much like most animals, including humans, we all need some sort of shelter to survive, especially when it comes to nasty weather. Birds will search for dense cover such as evergreens or spruces which provide a canopy, protecting the birds from snowfall and harsh winds. They will often move as close to the ground as possible, as temperatures are slightly warmer closer to the ground.