Brian SlettenWe heard an unusual (for us) bird call this morning. Both @KNS and I immediately checked it out on Merlin.
We’d never heard one since using the app. This is such a fun diversion and we are starting to learn to identify them by ear.
J.R. JohnsonBecause It’s Cold!
It’s cold here today, the temperature almost 20C/35F lower than it was before a storm came through and left a thick coating of lovely but frigid snow.
Which got me thinking, and not for the first time: How do birds stay warm?
Here’s a short explainer article with a helpful video of chickadees, cardinals, jays and other birds (some in dramatic slo-mo!):
How Birds Stay Warm in the Winter Snow: Backyard Birds Revealed | All About Birds
Some of the survival tricks captured in this episode include: “drinking” snow on icy days; an ingenious solution to the problem of cold feet; and the incredible warmth of a fluffy coat of feathers.
Now I’m off to refill my bird feeder and top up the bird bath. Because it’s cold!
* * *
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash
Suzanne Aldrich (she/her)@willasaywhat I put up some #bird feeders and keep them stocked with feed, and now I have a continuous supply of chirpy joy and the occasional squabble all day long. #birdwatching #forthebirds #birdsarereal
Captain Norm
Captain Norm (He/him/any)
shedtronicPlease don't shoot the messenger . . er . pigeon #birdsarereal #birdsarentreal #threadlessartistshops
Birds Are Real
Birds Are Real on Men's T-Shirt – "Birds Are Real? Say it isn't so! Our latest design, 'Birds Are Real,' gives a cheeky nod to the tongue-in-cheek conspiracy theories with a bold, sassy twist. Flaunt your feathers with this clever graphic that celebrates our avian accomplices in all their alleged robotic glory. It's a smart, satirical statement that's perfect for anyone who loves to stir the nest with a bit of humor. Whether you're a birdwatcher with a sense of irony or a skeptic making a playful point, this tee is bound to ruffle some feathers—in the most fashionable way, of course.
Wm.son#Birds #BackyardBirds #BirdsAreReal
I splurged and bought a ten pound bag of dried mealworms for the birds. I think it was around 35 dollars, US.
Um, it's a LOT of mealworms!
But today was cold and windy, after rain and 50 degrees yesterday, so I took cupfuls out for them, twice, today. I have a happy feeling they have little full protein and fat filled bellies. Only in the low teens tonight.
I want the worms mainly for any bluebirds and carolina wrens--the wrens are my favorite, but the titmice and juncos and Downey woodpeckers love them too.
BobertHepker@kali:~$ 
LAURENAwesome 🤩
#Birbs #BirdsAreReal
#Migration
Bird migration forecast maps - BirdCast https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/migration-forecast-maps/