2-09-2025 3:39pm

Feed the Birds

Beth Callahan Editor

Nature Close to Home and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Dave Woehr shares monthly naturalist stories.

LEBANON, OH -- Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this winter has been a bit nastier than usual with temperatures sometimes near zero degrees, long-lasting snow cover, and wind. There was a time long ago when such conditions didn’t bother me, and I would brave the elements and go hiking on snow-covered trails.

While I don’t feel motivated to be that adventurous anymore, wildlife has no choice. They cope with whatever conditions prevail during the winter months, and sometimes it can be a bit difficult for them. Their favorite natural food sources are being depleted and whatever remains is sometimes hidden under a blanket of snow.

Deer sometimes have to paw through several inches of snow to find some greenery to graze on.

At other times they may have to reach a lot higher than normal to browse on the lowest twigs of their favorite trees and shrubs.

But birds can’t paw through deep snow, and not many of our local species eat buds or twigs like the grouse and partridges of the far north do. No wonder the local birds gather at our feeders and appreciate the food we put out for them high enough above ground level to escape the snow cover.

Using just sunflower seed and suet I have attracted several species of woodpeckers, sparrows, and finches as well as Cardinals, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Carolina Wrens, Chickadees, Titmice and more. And from my living room I can enjoy the view of them at the feeders without enduring any of the harsh outdoor conditions myself.

We still need to anticipate winter to be with us until at least the first of April no matter what Buckeye Chuck says. I still remember what I woke up to on March 8, 2008.

I had to run the snow blower on the driveway twice that day! So – we can’t ignore the possibility of more cold and snow in the immediate future. I don’t know about you, but I plan to keep the bird feeders filled and spend most of the rest of the winter inside the house where I’m comfortable.