Dakota Beacon

When annoying circumstances beyond our control make life testy, one good diversion is to take time to observe birds at the feeders. It is easy to forget our own problems when watching the travail they go through during winter just to stay alive. And we think we have cares and the feeders. How do they do it? How does something as tiny and fragile as a song bird adapt itself for cold weather survival? Whether by creation, intelligent design or evolution birds do survive winter.
A little research goes a long way. For starters, a visible downy coat gives the first clue to bird survival. Eddie Bowers offers nothing like it. Semi-plume feathers provide insulation trapping air next to the body. On cold mornings birds will have a "fluffed-up" appearance. By fluffing their feathers birds create air pockets providing the necessary insulation. And, by crouching down and puffing out the feathers on the belly a bird can warm its feet. Exposed parts like the beak and eyes may be tucked beneath a wing for protection. Body oils spread on feathers by preening repel water and enhances the insulating effect.
A bird's feet receive special attention. While human feet might be the first thing to get cold, bird feet are specifically designed to protect against heat loss. First, a specialized covering of thick scaly skin prevents heat loss. Second, birds are able to control the temperature of their feet separate from their body temperature. Beneath the specialized skin is a network of fine arteries and veins. The arteries carrying warm blood are positioned very close to the veins. The warm blood from the arteries warms the cold blood in the veins before it is carried back to the body core and ultimately the heart. This unique system provides warmth to the feet.
A phenomenon known as thermongenesis helps birds defeat the cold. Just like humans, birds generate heat through an involuntary muscle contraction we call shivering.
And then there is the phenomenon known as deep sleep. Birds experience a drop in body temperature in the evening. This state of torpor, or reduced metabolism, helps conserve energy. Torpor reverses itself with daylight.
Birds consume a diet high in fat. In this way they store energy for eventual consumption during the night. Some birds have pouches in their throat. During the day birds such as the Common Redpoll fill their pouches with seed to eat at a later time.
Birds also find warmth from each other by huddling (cuddling?). In this way they share their body heat. Typically, birds will find sheltered roosting spots in woods and bushes.
As long as birds can stoke their furnaces with energy-producing food and they can stay out of the wind, they are well on their way to survival. It is never too late to start a bird feeding program. Wintering birds such as sparrows would be especially grateful and will repay you in spades (or attract more birds).
What better way to help our feathered friends than with food? Different seed attracts different birds. Finches and redpolls like their thistle seed. Nuthatches and chickadees like their sunflower seeds and suet. Most satisfactory for many birds is an all-purpose mix of sunflower seed, safflower, millet, peanuts and cracked corn which should attract the broadest variety of birds.
A value-added feature of feeding birds is that birds busy eating at a feeder will attract other hungry birds. Year-round feeding ensures a steady stream of visitors especially during the spring and autumn migrations.
Have you fed your birds today?

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).