February 2021 Big Bear Today Magazine

Big Bear Today February 2021—Page 5
Feeding in winter helps birds survive
he number is staggering: three billion
birds lost in North America
Tsince 1970, according to an eyepopping
report in the journal Science.
That represents a decrease of some
30% of the bird populations in the United
States and Canada, in just five decades.
Researchers point to changing ecosystems,
habitat loss, toxic pesticides and urbanization
as possible causes. Regardless, we
should all want to give birds a helping
hand—er, wing.
Especially in winter, now that January
storms have left white stuff on the
ground. Plus recent wildfires, both locally
from the El Dorado Fire plus many others
around the western states, have decimated
bird habitat even more.
It’s a misconception that all birds fly
south for the winter. For some, like the bald
eagles, this is south! Other species do seek
warmer southern climates but others, like
the dark eyed Junco, stick around in Big
Bear.
During winter they can often be seen
circling birdfeeders, particularly after
snowstorms. Juncos enjoy mostly seeds
and can often be spotted hopping along the
ground in search of food.
They’re just one example of the many
species who can use a helping wing to get
through winter. Indeed studies have shown
that feeding birds during the cold months
greatly increases their chances of survival.
Putting birdfeeders out gives our winged
friends additional sustenance especially
when the ground is covered with snow.
And if you already have one out, consider
a second or third feeder—the more that are
out, the more birds you’ll feed.
“People are worried about what the
decline in bird populations means,” said
Randall Putz of Chirp Nature Center in the
Village. “Birds are the canary in the coal
mine so to speak—as birds go, we go.
People are recognizing that we need to pay
attention and support birds.”
Birding takes flight for enthusiasts of
all levels at Chirp Nature Center, just east
of the Christmas Tree Lot next to construction
lot. There’s feeders, houses, baths, binoculars,
books, seed, scarves and birds-eye
cam views of nests around the country.
“Feeding and providing housing for
birds is the least we can do,” Putz said.
“Estimates are that almost half of all households
feed birds.”
Birds need extra fuel in winter for
long-lasting energy to create body warmth.
Suet is a great choice since it’s made with
animal fat, ideal for when insects and other
food sources are scarce. Nyjer seed, peanut
butter, peanuts, safflower seeds and
cracked corn are all good selections. California
scrub jays, prominent in Big Bear,
are candidates for such a menu but observe
what birds visit your feeder and put seed
out accordingly.
To protect feed from the elements,
tube and all-weather feeders are popular,
enclosed to keep seed dry. Shelter is important
as well and Chirp has a variety of
Dark eyed Junco, one of Big Bear’s wintering species
birdhouses available. Some mount on windows
to allow for up close viewing from
inside the house. Others have a cage built
around them to let only song birds in and
keep pigeons and squirrels out. Still others
are bear-proof.
Water is also important, even in winter.
“Bird bathes are just as important as
feeders since they need the water in our
dry climate,” Putz said. “It’s true that
they’ll eat snow for water but that lowers
their body temperature so they have to expend
energy to warm again. Look for
heated baths that won’t ice over.”
Join Chirp’s seed club to save up to
20% on all food purchases. Buy seed by
the bucket with lid that safely stores it and
when it’s empty just return to get a full
bucket, thus eliminating the plastic bag.
Gift items are also available at Chirp,
from custom design T-shirts and stickers
to puzzles, games and art. Plates, mugs,
door knockers, toys, calls and more are
found, all dedicated to birds.
The store makes bird watching easy
by streaming 30 live nest cams on four
screens. The images continuously rotate
and feature a variety of locations including
Big Bear’s own bald eagle nest.
Chirp is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chirp Nature Center is at 40850 Village
Dr. (888) 412-4477.