Wildlife in Winter- How can I help?
[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-right”]November 14, 2016[/cs_text][cs_text]We are starting to truly move into winter now- its getting colder, darker and everything wants to hibernate, humans included. But sadly the demands of life go on no matter how cold or tired you are. As the days shorten and food supplies dwindle our wildlife must continue to feed and shelter against the deteriorating weather conditions.
As well as an act of compassion it is symbiotic to aid local wildlife. Birds that learn your home is one with food and fresh water will return to feed on aphids in the spring, protecting your garden.
[/cs_text][x_feature_list][x_feature_box title=”Do Not Disturb” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”leaf”]That pile of colourful leaves at the bottom of your garden, now turning to mulch, may strike you as a cold, damp place. But for hedgehogs that may be a nice little spot to pass the winter. Be mindful of possible warm bodies before moving or burning leaf piles. In addition, a disturbed bat may burn a considerable amount of energy if roused- be mindful of mammals when taking down Christmas decorations from sheds or attics.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”For the Birds” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”envira”]Wild bird seed, peanuts and sunflower seeds are a welcome source of food in a bird feeder. Apples are a good source of sugar, cut up or left out whole. Fat is particularly important and beloved of winter birds- suet, melted fat, bacon rinds and meat scraps will all be welcomed. Other important kitchen scraps include cooked potato, melon seeds, moistened bread, oatmeal and cheese. Never feed them dry bread, uncooked rice or dry coconut- these can swell in a birds stomach.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Window Strike” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”leaf”]Birds may collide with windows because they reflect the sky, because they see plants they wish to perch on, in an attempt to attack a reflected bird or because they are drawn to the lights at night. Fortunately the risks can be minimised. Feeders can be relocated very near or very far from a window, so that they do not hit glass at top speed. Shutters or netted curtain are very effective here, as they prevent the illusion of a passage a bird can fly through. Potted plants can also be moved away from windowsills. [/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Sleeping Beauties” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”envira”]As temperatures drop butterflies and other insects seek a sheltered place to withdraw from the cold. This may often be your house and central heating may confuse a butterfly into thinking spring has come early. The best solution here is to rehouse them- catch them carefully in a box and place into a cool area for between a half house and an hour. Once they have calmed they can be gently encouraged onto a wall in an unheated room, shed or porch. Be careful that they can escape in the spring and won’t be predated upon by mice as they slumber. [/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Water Pressure” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”leaf”]Its easy to forget the importance of clean, fresh drinking water. But birds often need to drink after they eat, as well as using it to wash their feathers. In cold weather their usual sources of water may freeze or become overcrowded. Alternatives can be provided via shallow dishes.[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][cs_text]Its also important to remember our pets in these months. Foods such as chocolate, alcohol and many fruits can be toxic to cats and dogs- be mindful of the scraps that make it to the floor. If you are putting out food and water for birds, be mindful that your cat doesn’t take advantage of their distraction to hunt them. [/cs_text][x_author title=”About the Author” author_id=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]
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