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Dr. Doyle Banks Explains How To Help Wild Birds Survive Winter

According to Dr. Banks, owner of Wild Bird Marketplace in St. Louis, Mo., many wild birds freeze to death during the cold winter nights. Based on 30 years of experience, he identifies three steps the public can take to help wild birds survive, with more information available at 'http://www.wildbirdsmarketplace.com'.

Food - Fuel for the Furnace

The importance of feeding birds is best thought of by thinking of the surface of a bird's body as the source of heat loss during frigid winter nights, similar to the outside surface of a house. The size (mass) of a bird's body can be compared to the size of the furnace in a house - the larger the furnace, the more heat it can generate. The larger the surface of a bird relative to the size of its body, the more heat it will lose compared to the amount it generates. It's essential for beautiful songbirds which fall into this category to receive plenty of food in cold weather.

. Seed

High quality seed helps "keep the furnace burning" for wild birds. According to Banks, Black oil Sunflower, Safflower, Cracked Corn and Millet used in tray feeders are appropriate options. He also suggests offering Nyjer seed in a thistle feeder for finches. Shelled, unsalted peanuts in cage tube feeders are favored by Tufted Titmice, Woodpeckers and Nuthatches; Milo simply does not attract most birds.

. Suet

Many wild birds eat insects as well as seed. Since rendered suet is animal fat, it is an excellent substitute for insects. The high fat content of suet quickly converts to heat after consumption.

Water

All wild birds obviously need water to avoid dehydration, and land birds need water to bathe during the winter months to keep their feathers fit for flying. Water will not freeze and harm them since they preen after bathing. Banks reports, "Contrary to widespread belief, birds' feet will not stick to a birdbath."

Water attracts fruit-eating birds not normally seen at bird feeders such as Northern Mockingbirds and American Robins. To keep these birds visiting, birdbaths should be kept free of ice. Placing a deicer in the bath - a tube that uses an electric hook-up - is well worth the money to avoid having to go out and chip away the ice.

Shelter

Roosting boxes mounted in the yard help provide shelter and protection from winter elements. The roost box is a wood box with perches inside that allows the birds to get close and share body heat. The entrance hole is located at the bottom, helping to keep heat in, and some box models double as nest boxes in the spring.

Whether a novice or experienced at caring for wild birds, everyone can take pleasure in knowing that they have helped wild birds survive the winter.

MEDIA: Birding expert Dr. Banks can be reached by calling 636-394-2239 or by visiting http://www.wildbirdsmarketplace.com.
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   Dr. Doyle Banks
   Owner
   Wild Bird Marketplace
   Ballwin,    MO,    63011
   USA
   636-394-2239 (phone)
   636-394-2591 (fax)
   wbm1@wildbirdsmarketplace.com
   www.wildbirdsmarketplace.com