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Wonderful Winter Birds
There's something wonderful
about winter weather and watching birds. A warm fire, hot cider and a
comfortable view from inside looking
at the feeder outside make for some
cozy entertainment. It's so nice in fact it almost seems unfair to the birds. But
is it?
Actually, birds have an
amazing ability to stay warm through a number of "tools and techniques." The
first tool is obvious: feathers. For anyone who enjoys the benefits of a down
comforter, it's certainly understandable. Down works to trap warm air. Thus,
winter birds will develop more down and feathers with each winter season.
And perhaps you've noticed
lately that the birds seem to be a little fatter. At least, they look that way.
Truth is they're just fluffing their feathers, which helps to keep a greater
amount of heat trapped. It's somewhat similar to what we experience when we get "goose bumps."
Some birds will huddle or
roost together in tree cavities to stay warm. You can provide them a place by
posting a roost or nest box in your yard.
Birds use other means to stay
warm. They can increase their metabolisms, and flying certainly generates heat.
Also, some birds experience torpor, which is a kind of temporary hibernation. In
a torpid state, which may last only one night, a bird's temperature, breathing
and heart rate drop. A small degree of heat sustains the bird without requiring
much energy.
And have you ever wondered
how some birds can swim in icy water or walk on snowy ground as if oblivious to
the cold temperature? Though birds are warm-blooded animals, some have the
ability in their feet to turn slightly cold-blooded. The process is called
countercurrent heat-exchange. Warm blood from the bird's body cools as it moves
toward the bird's toes. Then the blood warms again as it is circulated back to
the body.
Though it may seem birds can
do just fine in the cold, the truth is winter can still be a challenge. After
all, staying warm means they must find plenty of food, and that's not so easy
this time of year. But your feeder and the seed you provide help a lot. Keep
your feeder full and enjoy these winter days watching your birds weather them
well. To see our full line of Quality Bird Watching Gifts for Attracting, Nesting and Feeding Wild Birds including: Bird Feeders, Birdhouses, Hummingbird Feeders, and Bird Baths, and Unique Home and Garden Decor such as Wind Chimes, Mylar Windsocks, Garden Gnomes and more, go to www.BackyardBirdsandGardens.com |
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