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BRRR! Wintertime BRRR!
When cold weather arrives, mice and other tiny mammals hunker down and become more difficult for predators to find. Owls and hawks will be very busy hunting for these small rodents, especially along the roadsides where it is easier to see their prey. Please drive defensively, especially in the twilight and dark, as these birds can fly in front of your car in a flash. If you find an injured bird along the roadside, bring it to the WildARC where we will care for it appropriately. These beautiful raptors help keep rodent populations in balance. As cold weather approaches, make provisions for native wildlife to enjoy your yard this winter. In return, birds, rabbits, and squirrels will delight you with their presence throughout the winter season. Here’s how: Don’t burn all of your brush and yard trimmings. Keep a small pile of twigs, branches, and cut foliage in a remote, quiet corner of your yard to give birds and small mammals a place to hide from the cold and avoid predators. Throughout the winter months you will see many birds darting in and out of the brush pile. This shelter will not attract snakes. They spend the cold weather months underground. Plant berry producing trees and shrubs in your garden. Holly, dogwood and other berry bearing plants attract fruit eating birds, such as cardinals and mockingbirds, to your yard. Also keep a bird bath full of water all winter. If the bath freezes change it daily. Birds need to keep their feathers clean so that they can provide warmth in the cold. Maintain your hummingbird feeders. Keep them filled and available in your yard through the end of October. The supply of nectar will not stop local hummingbirds from migrating to South America. However, the feeders will provide a welcome "pit stop" for northern hummingbirds to visit as they pass through North Carolina on their way to their winter home. At your feeders, they will gather strength and energy for their long journey ahead. If possible, leave the trunks of dead trees standing if they do not endanger your house or other structures. Woodpeckers, birds and squirrels will welcome a place to drill out cavities for protection from cold temperatures, rain and harsh winds. |
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