Caring for All Creatures Great and Small

As I am writing this article and doing my podcast, the temperature is dropping rapidly, caused by cold air coming down from the North.  At the same time, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is moving up.  That means we are going to have Snow early this morning!  And, not just a little, but potentially a lot of Snow.  All local schools are closed for tomorrow, and maybe Wednesday as well.  We are having Weather !!!

Shelters and warming centers were opened this afternoon for people without adequate shelter.  I cut up some mandarins and put them on the back porch for the Birds as well as any Squirrels.  Then I cut all the red berries off the Nandina bushes.  Nandina berries are toxic to birds and other animals, including humans. They contain cyanide, which can cause sudden death and organ hemorrhaging.  Birds usually don’t eat many of them at one time.  But, when it is extremely cold and there isn’t any other food,  Birds will eat enough of these berries to die!  I put all the berries in a plastic bag and dropped it in the Trash !!!

If you want to help Birds and any other small Creatures, consider putting out high-energy foods like suet, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. Water is also essential, even with snow, so adding a heated bird bath can help keep birds hydrated.  Just remember to keep the water clean!  If you have a birdbath, you may need to use a warmer to keep the water from freezing! 

You can provide shelter for many species by installing roosting boxes or leaving dead trees that would be suitable for birds that depend on tree cavities. Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs can help attract species like cedar waxwings.  Always plant native species because they will do better, and usually last longer.  If you aren’t interested in fruit-bearing trees, consider planting a few evergreens on your property!

Birds can stay warm by shivering, fluffing their feathers, or crowding together.  Squirrels and other small furry creatures do their best to eat enough nuts and seeds to have a layer of fat for insulation.  Or, their fur may be thicker.  Some small creatures nest together and go into a semi-hibernation state in really cold weather.  They will survive, but they will need food before Spring arrives !!!  And, they will need water!

We can do many things to help Birds and all small Creatures survive these weather extremes such as heat, or cold, or drought.  All it takes is a little thought and some research.  I learned about the Nandina berries from a delightful and very knowledgeable botanist who volunteers with the Oklahoma Native Plant Society !!!  There is good information everywhere and many people available to help.  

The National Wildlife Federation has an excellent website.  I have found the state Native Plant Society people to also be a great resource.  Here is the link for the National Wildlife Federation …

National Wildlife Federation

Wherever you live, may you be safe and comfortable.  And, whatever the weather, remember our Feathered Friends as well as All Creatures Great and Small.