There are few things more beautiful than a blanket of fresh snow and frozen ponds. It looks like a winter wonderland and very picturesque. Perhaps after you’ve enjoyed the view for a while, your mind has turned to the furry creatures that have to live outdoors on these cold days. And you may have asked yourself the question, what are all the animals going to drink if everything is frozen? Do they eat snow? We know that humans can freeze to death if they eat snow, so what about birds? The answer is yes, they can eat snow. But it takes a lot more energy to thaw snow and for their bodies to bring the icy temperatures of snow to body temperature than if they drank water that is not frozen. Water is as crucial for animals as it is for humans. In reality, hunger (which is always a concern for birds) can be less of a threat than dehydration. Birds often get their water supply from melting icicles and puddles. When it is very cold and there is no water to drink, they eat snow.
But refrain from running outside and setting out bowls of warm water for your feathered friends. Although not common, birds have been known to bathe in warm water when it is very cold outside. And it turned out that their feathers were covered in ice and they could not fly. Heated bird baths are a wonderful source of water for birds in freezing weather. But be sure to place rocks or sticks on their upper body to prevent them from bathing.
Water is especially important for keeping birds warm in winter. Because water helps birds keep their feathers neat. Stacked feathers are important to birds because they keep the feathers positioned and aligned correctly. If they are not aligned, the cold can seep through the gaps in your insulation. Which makes them lose body heat faster. When there is no water to bathe, the birds will take snow baths. This helps groom and fluff their feathers to form an insulating layer. Each pen is controlled by a small group of muscles. When birds fluff their feathers, they create many small pockets of air that dramatically reduce heat loss. This is why down coats are so cozy in the cold. On cold nights, the birds bury their beaks and feet in their feathers, helping to further reduce heat loss.
Winter is beautiful, but it can be a difficult time for the animals that live in it. You can help ease their difficulties by providing a reliable source of water. And don’t be fooled by the old myth that if you start feeding and providing water to the birds, they will starve if you stop. Nonsense! They won’t die of thirst or hunger more than you if your favorite restaurant leaves town! He may be upset, but he certainly wouldn’t die! Providing a haven for your feathered friends with bird feeders and hot bird baths will not only help them, but in return, it’s a lot of fun bird watching. And it will offer you many hours of fun and entertainment.
