Songbirds need our help now that winter's here

Feeding birds in the winter keeps us connected with nature and provides a source of entertainment that we can often view from the warmth of our homes. But beyond that, it supplies critical nutrients to our resident birds that can struggle when what's left of fall's fruit, nut and seed crop is covered with ice and snow. Provide feed and cover for birds near your home and you'll certainly see the white-breasted nuthatch (top), a clinging bird that is a staple at area feeders. Female cardinals, while not as common as the nuthatch, also frequent feeders, dining almost exclusively on seeds that have fallen to the ground.

Northern Pennsylvania's mild weather during December and the early part of this month confused bird populations, making it important for those who have been feeding our feathered friends to continue now that colder conditions have arrived.

Dan Brauning, a avian expert who supervises the Game Commission's wildlife diversity section, said backyard feeders play a critical role, since some species delayed their southern migration.

"Backyard feeders are worth their weight in gold to some songbirds when a crusted snow is blanketing the ground, or temperatures fall," explained Brauning. "It's not necessarily a dependency, but birds sometimes need all the help they can get."

Photos coutesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

Birds' high metabolic rate and need to remain lightweight to support flight require them to eat well daily and yet remain relatively lean. They don't pack weight on, like a bear or deer.

During periods of deep snow or ice, bird feeders are important supplemental food sources for groundfeeders and seed-eaters, such as dark-eyed juncos, cardinals, mourning doves and black-capped chickadees.

Favorite foods for wintering songbirds are black-oil sunflower seeds and white-proso millet. Sunflower seeds pull in more than three dozen bird species.

"Inexpensive birdseed mixes, usually loaded with milo, found at supermarkets and department stores are probably more useful as anti-skid material on icy sidewalks than as bird food," Brauning said. "Songbirds usually pick through mixes for what they want. Consider shelled peanuts or peanut hearts. They'll be warmly received by everything from woodpeckers and bluebirds and blue jays to sparrows, chickadees and wild turkeys."

Suet also works. Primary visitors to suet cakes are downy, red-bellied and hairy woodpeckers.

Bird feeders can be suspended from trees, or even a wash-line, or supported by posts or poles; seeds also can be tossed on the ground. Feeders should be cleaned regularly. Placing feeders near cover also will provide safety from predators. Bird feeders may attract anything from squirrels and mice to black bears, as well as predators such as hawks and cats.

One other pointer from Brauning: feeders should be placed away from windows, since birds cannot see glass and may fly into it.