According to the National Weather Service, we will be seeing our first major winter storm of the season this weekend. Predictions include rain, snow and much colder temperatures.
Over the last several months, our feathered friends have been enjoying fabulous fall weather with unseasonably warm temperatures. Our summer monsoon rains produced a bumper crop of weeds and wildflowers, which, in turn, produced a generous seed crop. Between nature’s bounty and the mild weather, bird activity at seed feeders has been rather slow this fall.
Those who feed the birds in their yard will likely see a big shift in bird behavior both before and during the storm. I frequently comment that wild birds are nature’s barometer. You can tell when a storm is coming by the feeding frenzy that takes place before the storm arrives. It is as if birds can’t get enough food before seeking shelter and riding out the storm.
Birds are warm-blooded creatures and need enough fuel (food) each day to stoke their metabolic engines. Birds are capable of enduring bitter cold, even extreme conditions. The key to their survival is sufficient food. The reason many bird species migrate is not because they can’t withstand cold temperatures; it is because there is insufficient food to sustain them during the winter months.
In the Northern hemisphere, most birds migrate south because the food sources they rely on are not available in the winter months. Many of our migratory birds are either insect-or nectar-eaters. What happens to insects and flowers when we start getting freezing temperatures? Most insects and flowers are killed by freezing temperatures, leaving few bugs or flowers to be found.
Each winter we get isolated reports of Anna’s hummingbirds that winter over. How is this possible? It’s because people provide food for them that sustains them. Every winter we receive pictures from customers of a hummingbird sitting on a hummingbird feeder that is buried under several inches of snow. It is doubtful that hummingbirds could survive here in winter without human assistance.
Many of the bird species that live in our region during the winter months are seed-eaters. When we get a severe snow storm, natural food sources that these birds rely on are buried under the snow, making survival a matter of finding food. By keeping your seed and suet feeders filled with food products that are high in protein and fat, you help ensure survival of the birds that frequent your yard.
This is especially true for juvenile (also referred to as first-year) birds that have never experienced snow or winter conditions. Having a reliable food source is a great way to attract birds to your yard when times get tough. As mentioned earlier, when birds aren’t stressed they rely on nature’s bounty of seeds. However, when times are hard they know where to go to find a constant, reliable food source.
This past week I received an email from eNature.com. The feature article of the eNatureBlog was titled, “How Do Birds Deal with Hurricanes like Sandy?” While the article didn’t have a lot of factual comments, it raises an interesting question. There is no doubt that many birds die when they are caught in large storms such as Hurricane Sandy.
One thing the story pointed out, though, is that while there may be an immediate short-term impact, in the long-term bird populations generally are not negatively affected by big storms.
Because their primary food sources are unavailable during the winter, the majority of birds in the Northern Hemisphere migrate south. Many of our migratory birds are either insect-or nectar-eaters. What happens to bugs and flowers when the temperature drops below freezing? Freezing temperatures kill most bugs and flowers, leaving very few of them remaining.
According to the National Weather Service, we will be seeing our first major winter storm of the season this weekend. Predictions include rain, snow and much colder temperatures.
Our feathered friends have been enjoying fantastic fall weather with unusually warm temperatures for the past few months. Our summertime monsoon rains brought forth an abundance of weeds and wildflowers, which consequently yielded a bountiful crop of seeds. The abundance of nature and the pleasant weather this autumn have resulted in relatively low bird activity at seed feeders.
The narrative did highlight one point, though: although large storms may have an immediate short-term impact, they usually have no detrimental long-term effects on bird populations.
During the winter, many of the bird species that inhabit our area are seed-eaters. The natural food sources that these birds depend on are buried beneath the snow during a strong snowstorm, so finding food is necessary for survival. You can contribute to the survival of the birds that visit your yard by filling your seed and suet feeders with foods high in fat and protein.
Changes in air pressure not only alert birds to when to eat more food, but also give them vital information for migration. To save energy, birds migrate along frontal boundaries. Birds benefit from the winds associated with moving weather fronts, particularly high-pressure fronts, in a similar way to how eastbound planes are propelled along by the jet stream. However, birds will often settle down and wait for low pressure—which is often indicative of an impending storm—to pass. These weather patterns are studied by birders because they provide information on the whereabouts and timing of migratory birds. (Well, most birders know where the birds will be. I seem to always make the mistake of getting caught in the rain. ).
You’re not the only one who finds it fascinating that birds can forecast storms. Scientists are continuing to work on this subject. According to a recent discovery, sharks have sensitive organs in their bodies similar to those found in birds’ ears. These organs are thought to help sharks sense changes in water pressure. (Who knew that birds and sharks were related?) Consequently, Tony, if you look out your window and see a ton of birds eating from your feeders, you should know that a storm is approaching and you should go get some milk and bread. However, if you notice sharks consuming food from your feeders, skip the milk and bread and visit your optometrist instead.
Scientists were able to replicate winter conditions for the birds that were fortunate enough to be placed inside the hypobaric climatic wind tunnel by regulating the temperature and light levels. Normally, the birds would get up every morning, preen, stretch, and possibly check the performance of their stocks in the overnight markets before leaving for breakfast. However, as soon as scientists reduced the air pressure inside the tunnel, the birds would forgo their customary morning routine and begin looking for food. Because storms brought on by low pressure can force birds to hole up for hours or even days, they take advantage of the opportunity to forage while conditions are favorable. You know, how the moment we spot a single snowflake, we run crazily out for milk and bread? It’s the same thing.
I’ve decided to accept your theory about birds feeding before storms because I like you, Tony. Also, I agree with you because you are right. Indeed, birds tend to consume more during impending storms. Birds’ eating habits are determined by need, in contrast to humans who only eat extra food during the week, on the weekends, or at parties. One time when birds will put on extra weight is before they migrate. Pre-bad weather is another. Researchers and you have been observing birds informally for years eating extra food prior to the arrival of storms. However, they were unable to determine whether this was a coincidence or a fact. Thus, scientists at Western University constructed a “hypobaric climatic wind tunnel.” (I’m not sure why they didn’t simply ask to use mine, but whatever.) ) Here’s what they found out.
Birds also use their pressure detecting skills in flight. During migration many birds travel at night. Because of their sensitivity to pressure, birds are able to maintain the ideal cruising altitude and avoid natural obstacles. Most significantly, though, is that the birds can use their beloved FAA-approved electronic devices safely when they are at the appropriate cruising altitude.
FAQ
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