Winter Survival
When the winter winds start to blow, and we all turn to our cozy homes for protection from the cold, it’s time to think about our friends outside as well. While the animals will make do, as they have for many thousands of years, we can enhance their chances of survival by providing food and shelter from the elements.
Winter brings its own set of challenges for survival: insects are harder to find, the ground is frozen so earthworms are not available, the most desirable fruits and berries in the landscape have been pretty much cleaned off, and snow and ice storms may cover food sources, making it harder for birds and other wildlife to find food.
Seed heads are valuable food sources for animals – especially birds. Leave the seed heads on flowers (such as sunflowers, coneflowers, and native asters), wild grasses and weeds (such as chicory, fleabane, foxtail grass, and Queen Anne’s lace). Trees (such as fir, alders, birch, redbud, tulip tree, pine, and spruce) also provide winter fodder.
Cold weather requires birds to burn more energy to keep warm. Suet is a high caloric food source that gives birds the energy they need to survive. Suet should be used only during cold weather; it could be harmful if it turns rancid; this is likely in warm weather. Make sure your suet cages are secure, or you may see a hungry squirrel not only at the suet feeder, but if it can, it will take the whole feeder with it! Now I don’t mind the squirrels sharing, but I draw the line at them taking the whole feeder away!
When the sun goes down and the temperatures drop, birds find protected roosting spots. Birds will fluff up their feathers in cold weather to help stay warm. If their under feathers (down) get soaked, they may die from exposure to the elements. You can help them out by providing trees and shrubs for cover.  Evergreens offer good protection from winter wind, snow and ice. Small animals appreciate brush piles as well as native trees and bushes.
To attract a broad range of birds, try these tasty treats:
Black-oil sunflower seeds
Unsalted peanuts
Dried or fresh fruit cut into small pieces
White millet
Cracked corn
Nyjer seed
Safflower seed

You may see other critters enjoying this smorgasbord: squirrels, and chipmunks. Deer will eat birdseed if they can reach it.

Don’t forget to have a water source. Whether you have a bird bath or just a shallow dish on the ground, use a heater to keep the water free of ice and available for wildlife.

Learn from wildlife: if a storm is brewing, birds and wildlife are often very active gathering food all day long, just in case they can’t get to food for several days or longer. You may be able to predict this weather if you pay close attention to the animals’ activities.

Helping our wildlife through the winter is fun for family viewing, and you are helping to make life for local wild creatures a bit easier over winter.

Happy Wildlife Gardening!

Laurie Rispoli, Master Gardener

References:
Cornell University: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/BirdFoods.htm
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1138
National Wildlife Federation: http://www.nwf.org/get-outside/outdoor-activities/garden-for-wildlife/certify-your-wildlife-garden.aspx