Winter Nature Lesson

The most common reason birds migrate is a lack of food during Winter, not because they can't tolerate the cold (a few cannot, but most are durable enough). This is why species such as Eastern Bluebirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and American Robins generally head to warmer climes during our Western New York Winters. The occasional individual will attempt to tough it out (particularly Robins during mild Winters), but this is an exception.

Feeding migrating birds off-season can lead to a shift in normal instinctual behavior. This is why often we see Canada Geese around populated areas where people regularly feed them during the cold months. However, it may be best not to encourage this behavioral shift.

While climate change models do predict warmer temperatures they also are calling for more extreme storms with heavier precipitation. Heavy snow pack can be a death knell for any bird, and far more so for those that under normal circumstances would have long ago headed south. So perhaps our good intentions for the bird world are better served in letting their normal behaviors prevail and trusting that evolution will dictate any needed change.

Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis
(courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Winter/Spring Programs are scheduled!

We've added new programs to our public program selections for Winter and Spring, including an exciting trip to Algonquin Provincial Park!!!.
Click here for more information.