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Sunday, October 28, 2012
Can birds predict that tornado-like winds are about to hit? Most birds have a special middle-ear receptor called the Vitali organ, which can sense incredibly small changes in barometric pressure. So if the activity at feeders suddenly becomes much more intense a storm may be approaching. Birds flying low or lining up on power lines also indicate swiftly falling air pressure.
The small birds like chickadees fly as little as possible and try to wait out storms in patches of dense vegetation or roosting boxes that give protection. And they appreciate feeders.
During storms birds may think of your feeder as a known source of food. While not dependent on feeders, birds don't feel like foraging for food in bad weather. Feeders make it easier for wild birds to brave a storm.
High winds make flying difficult. I love when the wind blows but know it is hard on the birds, so I keep the feeders full. If they can navigate it to the feeder, they deserve a good meal.
You'll see some birds that seem to be flying in place, while other birds like the Blue Jays seem to be able to navigate and take advantage of the wind. They zoom in at the feeder like a bullet.
After a storm, brush piles of leaves and other natural debris can be piled up to provide birds with a place to take cover from the weather and hide from predators.
There should also be available drinking water to allow birds to maintain a healthy metabolism and stay warm. If weather turns freezing, you can use a heated bird bath or add a heater to your existing plastic, metal or stone bird bath.
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