There are few things more beautiful than a fresh blanket of snow and icy ponds. It looks like a winter wonderland and very picturesque. Perhaps after enjoying the view for a while, your mind has turned to the furry creatures that have to live outdoors on these cold days. And perhaps you 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 freezing temperatures of the snow up to their body temperature, than if they drank water that isn’t frozen. Water is as crucial for animals as it is for humans. In reality, starvation (always a concern for birds) may 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 resulted in their feathers being covered in ice and unable to fly. Heated birdbaths are a wonderful water source for birds in freezing weather. But be sure to put stones or sticks on top of their body to prevent them from taking a bath.
Water is especially important for birds to keep warm in the winter. Because water helps birds keep their feathers preened. Groomed feathers are important to birds because it keeps them properly positioned and aligned. If they are not aligned, the cold can be seen in the gaps in your insulation. Which makes them lose their body heat faster. When there is no water to bathe the birds take snow baths. This helps preen and fluff up their feathers to form an insulating layer. Each feather is controlled by a small group of muscles. When birds fluff up their feathers, they create many tiny air pockets that dramatically reduce heat loss. That’s why down coats are so cozy in the cold. On cold nights, the birds bury their bills and feet in their feathers, which helps further reduce heat loss.
Winter is beautiful, but it can be a difficult time for the animals that live in it. You can help alleviate their difficulties by providing a reliable source of water. And don’t be fooled by the old myth that if you start feeding and watering birds, they will starve if you stop. Nonsense! They won’t die of thirst or hunger any more than you if your favorite restaurant goes out of town! You might be upset, but you certainly wouldn’t die! Providing a shelter for your feathered friends with bird feeders and heated bird baths will not only help them, but in return, the birds are a lot of fun to watch. And it will offer you many hours of fun and entertainment.
