In summer time nature is hospitable to our younger brothers. And how they feel in the winter?
Many sleep under a blanket of snow, hiding from the fierce cold. Partridges, grouse and grouse hiding in the hole. Urban birds, such as doves, titmouse and sparrows – are choosing the roof and attics of our homes. Magpies and jackdaws love to hide in abandoned chimneys and old walls with holes. Pikas spend the winter huddled in the cracks between the bark and wood, ujlaki – in the midst of juniper, kinglet hiding in the branches of spruce. Bullfinches, like oatmeal, is find shelter in haystacks, making a cozy mink. Woodpeckers and Tits – I prefer the holes higher and more reliable.
But the North snow Buntings easier to tolerate all the bad weather, besides their protective color completely blends with the white snow. They can sleep right next to you, in the long March, and you will not even notice! Hide the beak under the wing, sensitively will freeze, and in the morning again fresh and healthy. As if there were frosty nights, which seemed to freeze all around.
Most well known birds trying to stay close to human habitation – it is warmer and you can always find something to eat. The main thing for a tiny bird - not to lose weight, maintain body fat, then, even if the cold will penetrate under feathers, it will not continue. In winter, when there is the usual insects –birds looking for a grain-preserved spikelets of grasses and crops, actively break down the cones and nuts. Who has a longer beak to get the larvae from under the bark of old trees.
You will rarely find birds alone –they usually gather in flocks and together find the best place to search for food. Together, they are calmer and warmer and warm up next to you, and to warn of danger from all sides easier. There were times when a flock of small birds fought back even from small animals, not to mention the other birds. So even the loneliest birds in the winter trying to come together.
Sometimes urban feeders you can see these rare and colorful birds like the blue Jay or the little nuthatch, which is very unusual runs upside down, clinging with his long claws as a climber. They, like the Tits ,a special treat is the piece of bacon in the feeder, replacing the caterpillars and bugs in the summer time.
All birds that do not fly South, are well adapted for wintering. But people interfered with their hunting grounds, so everyone should care about our feathered friends as much, feeding in difficult times.
