HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS BIRDS,
THEIR FEEDING HABITS
AND HOW TO HELP FROM HOME
(Joan Casanova)
Bird feeding is a common practice in
the United States, with more than 59
million Americans participating, according
to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
In addition to providing aesthetic and recreational
benefi ts, bird feeding can have positive
impacts on bird populations.
According to the National Audubon Society,
birds provide important ecosystem services,
such as pollination, pest control and seed dispersal.
In fact, around 87% of fl owering plants
rely on animal pollinators, including birds, to
reproduce and grow, according to a study published
in “Science.” Birds also consume fruits
and berries then spread the seeds, which helps
maintain biodiversity and promotes the growth
of new plants.
Considered good indicators of the health of
the ecosystem, changes in bird populations
and behaviors can signal changes in the environment,
such as pollution, habitat loss and
climate change. As temperatures, weather patterns
and ecosystems change, it can affect the
availability of food for birds, which may alter
their behavior.
Feeding birds can be a benefi cial practice that
helps them cope with climate change. Consider
these benefi ts:
Supplemental Food: Bird feeders provide a
supplemental source of food for birds when
natural food sources may be scarce due to
prolonged droughts or severe storms. Bird
feeding can help birds maintain energy levels,
especially during breeding or migration when
nutritional needs are higher.
Range Shifts: Climate change can cause shifts
in the distribution and abundance of bird species.
Feeders can serve as “refuges” for birds,
providing reliable food sources as they move
in search of suitable habitats.
Behavioral Adaptations: Some species may
alter their feeding behaviors due to changes
in timing of insects hatching or plants fl owering,
which can affect the availability of natural
food sources. Bird feeders can help bridge
these gaps, providing
a stable source of food
when traditional sources
are disrupted.
Feeders
To attract more birds this
season, it’s important
to offer quality feed in
a variety of bird feeder
types placed at different
heights.
Traditional tube feeders
are basic, all-purpose,
must-have feeders
that work well for fi nches,
nuthatches and other
small birds that cling. Made with state-of- theart
materials to prevent warping and discoloration,
Cole’s Terrifi c Tube Feeder features a
quick-clean removable base.
Simply push a button and the bottom of the
feeder comes off for easy access. Rinse well
with soapy water, submerge in a 9-1 water
bleach solution, rinse and dry. Then reattach
the bottom; there’s no disassembly or
assembly of multiple parts necessary. Regular
cleaning of feeders is essential, preventing
mold, germs and disease.
Another option, bowl feeders, can serve not
only seeds, but also dried mealworms, fruit
and suet in cake or kibble form. For example,
Cole’s Bountiful Bowl Feeder comes with an
adjustable dome cover you can raise or lower
to protect from rain and prevent larger birds
and squirrels from getting to the food.
Popular Foods
In addition to feeders, offering a variety of
foods is vital for inviting different species to
your backyard.
Birdseed: Not all birdseed is created equal.
Look for quality blends without fi ller seeds
like red millet and oats. All-natural seed, containing
no chemicals or mineral oil, is safe and
more appealing to birds. Consider researched,
specially formulated options like all-natural
black oil sunfl ower, Cole’s “Hot Meats” (sunfl
ower meats infused with habanero chile peppers)
or Special Feeder blend, which is packed
with black oil sunfl ower, sunfl ower meats,
black striped sunfl ower, raw peanuts, saffl ower
and pecans.
Dried Mealworms: Full of energy, essential
nutrients, fats and proteins, mealworms are a
preferred food for adult songbirds. Dried mealworms
are easy to feed, less messy and lack the
“ick” factor of live worms.
Fresh Fruit: Apple and orange halves and
chunks of banana are favorites for orioles
and tanagers.
No-Melt Suet: Perfect for insect-eating birds,
high-fat food provides abundant calories and
rich nutrition.
Don’t forget, birds need water just as much as
humans. Drinking water helps regulate body
processes, improves metabolism and maintains
health. Birds also use water for preening and
bathing, and on hot days, standing in cool water
or taking a quick splash can help them keep
cool.
Find more solutions to bring birds to your
backyard at ColesWildBird.com.
Photos courtesy of Cole’s Wild Bird Products
Pg 10 - 119 Shoreham-WadingRiver-Calverton To Advertise call: 631-698-8400 Pennysaver - June 1, 2023