Why Snow Affects A Birds Natural Food Sources
Winter can be a challenging time for our native birds. As snow blankets the ground, birds often find it difficult to locate food. Naturally occurring sources, such as seeds and insects, become scarce when covered in snow, forcing birds to rely heavily on supplemental feeding provided by us caring humans.
A Birds Daily Food Requirements
On an average day, a bird needs a surprisingly significant amount of food to maintain its energy levels. Depending on the species, they can require anywhere from 10% to 40% of their body weight in food each day! This is because it takes so much energy to be able to fly to find food. In cold weather, this amount increases as birds burn more energy to stay warm. You will notice birds fluffing up their feathers, they do this to insulate their tiny bodies and to conserve body heat. This is why providing additional food during heavy snowfall is crucial. It can help sustain bird populations when natural resources are completely covered and unavailable.
How You Can Help Birds Survive The Winter
As responsible bird enthusiasts, we can support these animals by offering a variety of foods such as sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet. These foods are rich in fats and proteins, providing the high fat, high energy nutrients necessary to help birds survive the harsh winters. So, let’s step up this winter and give our birds a helping hand!
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