How Do Our Backyard Birds Survive Storms?
To begin this week’s blog, we hope that everybody stayed safe and dry during this past week’s severe weather! Fortunately, we all faired well with no worse than a wet basement amongst the Wood Thrush Shop team, and we hope the same is true for you. (Minus of course the wet basement!) While having my sleep interrupted for several hours during the ceaseless wailing of the tornado siren at the end of my street, I had plenty of time to wonder, what do our backyard birds do during severe weather?
Many birds are cavity nesting species, and these will naturally gravitate towards nooks and crannies, as well as disused woodpecker nests and the cavities we provide in the form of nesting boxes. Carolina Wrens, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, and our different woodpecker species will all take advantage of cavities for shelter during bad weather. I have even seen Carolina Wrens pop into our Roosting Pockets ahead of a spring storm.
Tufted Titmouse in Nesting Box
Photo Credit: Eli Haislip
What do the species of birds that do not nest in cavities do? Species such as Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Blue Jays, and others will seek cover wherever they can find it, such as in bushes and shrubs, and on tree limbs. Fortunately for them, they have a several adaptations that make it easier for them to not get blown away, even in high winds. They will often roost on a thicker branch on the opposite side of the trunk from the wind, providing them with added protection. Also, their feet naturally grip tightly when they are relaxed; this coupled with their sharp claws mean that they can sleep tight without the worry of being blown away! Sheltering in a bush during a severe storm may not sound pleasant for us, but keep in mind, birds are wild animals. They neither expect, nor need, comfort in situations like this. All they require is to survive!
Blue Jay
Photo Credit: Eli Haislip
The Hummingbirds are Back!
In other news, the hummingbirds are here again at last! April 3rd, John had his first hummingbird of the season visit his feeder at his home in Pegram. Since then, reports have begun to trickle in from customers of their first of season Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. If you live closer to the shop, while writing this I had a customer call in to report a hummingbird at her feeder on Chickering Lane. As we mentioned last week, if you would like to put a feeder out, we recommend managing your expectations. While yes, they are here, they will not be showing a lot of interest at the feeders at this point. Just put out one feeder, and only put a little nectar in it! Want to make your own nectar? It’s super simple! Fully dissolve one part sugar into four parts water (easier if boiled, but not necessary) and you’re good to go. Top tip! Store your homemade nectar in a water bottle in the refrigerator and it will keep longer that way.
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Photo Credit: Eli Haislip