Its not often that we see over a foot of snow in this part of Ohio, but that has been the case this month. What kind of effect does this have on the birds? It certainly makes it harder to find food for the many seed-eating birds that are used to having little or no snow cover for much of the winter. Fortunately there are still some weedy fields that have seed-pods standing above the snow. Brushy areas and fence-rows also can offer food when there is heavy snow cover.
However, this is a time when feeding the birds can really help them. Covered bird feeders are great since they can be used in all kinds of weather, including snowstorms. When the snowfall is over, its a good idea to clear off an area on the ground and spread cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and/or other mixes. At least at our place there are lots of birds that prefer to forage on the ground. If you have a brush-pile nearby it is even better, since that provides quick protection when a Coopers Hawk comes to look for lunch.
Suet or other mixes of peanut butter, etc. are also good to offer in this kind of weather. Many birds will visit the suet feeders when the weather is cold and snowy. For the past several weeks we have had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the suet feeder every day. Another special bird that has been a regular this month is a Red-breasted Nuthatch. There are very few of these lovely winter visitors around this winter. Carolina Wrens have also been spending time there, along with the usual woodpeckers - Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Flicker and Pileated. Last year we had Red-headed Woodpeckers all winter, but not this year.
While most of our feeders are on poles and protected from squirrels, I wanted to have some feeders close to our kitchen and living room windows. I found two used bird feeders at the Save and Serve Thrift Shop in Millersburg - these feeders have wire cages around the seed tubes. Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, American Goldfinches, House Finches and other small birds fly through the wire cage and get the seeds, but larger birds and squirrels cant get in. The squirrels now know that it is hopeless so they concentrate on the cracked corn on our ground feeders. We have had up to a dozen squirrels at a time this winter.
After the first big snowstorm, I cleared the snow off our picnic table and spread it with cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Within a few minutes a male eastern Towhee was busy checking out the new feeder, even though it is located only three feet outside the sliding glass doors in the kitchen. White-crowned, White-throated, and Song Sparrows also quickly made themselves at home. Cardinals seem to be able to take advantage of both hanging feeders and ground feeders, and are usually the last birds to quit feeding in the evening.
This winter we have three or more American Crows and a flock of about 15 Mourning Doves that have made themselves at home. Crows dont usually come to our feeders but these three have gotten to like the cracked corn on the ground. The Mourning Doves like to feed and rest on the ground, up close to the house, but they also perch on the deck railing or in the trees close to the feeders. On almost any morning it is possible to see and hear 20-25 species of birds from the kitchen. This helps me enjoy the winter, although I will admit that after plowing our half-mile lane and getting the tractor thoroughly stuck, I was ready for warmer weather. In the meantime, we might as well enjoy the beauty of the winter.
Good birding!
Contact Bruce Glick at birderbruce@yahoo.com, or phone 330-317-7798.
