Homelessness is not just a human phenomenon. Food, shelter and water are as critical for wild birds as they are for people. For birds, even a used Christmas tree can provide a home.
Experts at the Audubon Society say a helping hand from people is the difference between life and death during a cold snap or snow storm. During intense wintry weather, birds need a quick food source and a place to escape the elements.
An Audubon Society survey shows that Wisconsin chickadees eating from feeders had a 69 percent survival rate for the winter. For chickadees that relied solely on Mother Nature the rate was 37 percent.
Roosting boxes are the best man-made winter housing. A typical box is about two feet tall and nine inches wide, with a door for cleaning and wooden perches for roosting.
Birds also welcome a small brush pile for shelter and protection from predators. Put it near a bird feeder. It's even better if you can stand your Christmas tree in the brush pile with the help of a stake driven into the ground.
You'll enjoy more wild birds if you stock your feeder with sunflower seeds, their favorite food. If your feeder runs out, don't worry — birds will find other food. But always have seed available when the ground is covered with snow or ice.
