Providing for Birds in Polar Temps

Northern Cardinal

The Winter of 2014 has been brutal thus far, as we've all become acquainted with the relatively unknown term "Polar Vortex".  For those of us in the upper Midwest, we've not seen these temperatures in decades, so its safe to assume neither have the backyard birds.

I have previously posted on the importance of remembering the birds in Winter, but this season of record temps requires taking extreme measures. Keeping your feeders filled and providing high-energy sources of food like suets will help birds struggling to survive in the subzero temperatures.

Downy Woodpecker

The photos featured on this post were taken at     3:00 pm in the afternoon on a frigid day that started at minus -20 and warmed to only -11.  The temps were so cold that local schools were closed for two days in a row.  As schools prepared in advance, so did I.  The heater on my previous birdbath had given out, so I purchased a new one and made sure that my fly-thru feeder was filled with seed, and that I had a high-energy suet cake available.

As I check the forecast for the upcoming week, we are expecting yet another Polar Vortex, with more double digital subzero temps.  It looks like I'll be adding more water to the birdbath today, as well as re-supplying my bird seed and suet.  I am also fortunate to have a row of lilac bushes adjacent to my feeder and birdbath to provide shelter for feeding birds.  For those of you with exposed feeders in the middle of your yard, a discarded Christmas tree or brush pile can be added to provide necessary shelter.

White-breasted Nuthatch

While we can only dream about Spring at this point in time, we should do everything we can to ensure that our backyard birds will survive to enjoy it as well!

Hang in there...it won't be too long before the snow is gone and we hear the glorious sounds of bird song again!

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