Rooted Ramblings: Wild bird landlord – sit, watch and listen

Written by and photography by Kara Butcher & Jill Higgins, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers

On any random winter day, when our Portage County, Ohio, yards are frozen and barren, I pour my first cup of coffee and prepare myself for the hidden gems ready to fly down from the trees above. I am aware my yard has been awake and alive since daybreak. I’ve learned the birds’ rhythms and routines over time; my yard has become a safe space for them. They know every branch, shrub and hiding spot. The early-winter risers, cardinals and juncos, flutter in the first light, chirping with a harmonious gathering to their favorite food source. Their breakfast includes black oil sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts. Black-capped chickadees soon arrive with their quick dive for food and cheerful calls. They can store up to 80,000 seeds in a season and recall exactly where each seed was hidden. These wild birds control most pests in the warm months (grubs, aphids, caterpillars, mosquitoes, flies, beetles, ants, earwigs and whiteflies), and they just battled a freezing snowy night with only feathers as their blanket. Woodpeckers arrive to reenergize on a high-protein suet cake. A nutritious breakfast is the least I can provide.

The resilience of these tiny creatures astounds me. They adapt to snowstorms, heat waves, rain and wind. They have lost most of their natural habitat because of decisions made before I was alive. I feel a responsibility to help ensure they withstand time.

To survive harsh winters, these creatures have several tactics. They endure the freezing night by shivering, roosting and huddling groups. Most non-migratory birds will burn all their calories by shivering throughout the night. Birds’ endothermic nature is particularly helpful in extreme conditions, when they lower their internal temperature in their feet to approach freezing but not below it. Their core body temp ranges from 100-109, depending on the size of the bird. They sometimes nest in cavities or under tree bark to stay warm.  

Daylight shines its beauty in my windows, and the full force of the delicate birds appears. When I look out my window, the connection begins. I see my withered yard spring into a space of communication and balance. The world becomes quiet, and I am grounded by wings and personalities. Much like humans, our birds have conversations and argue over territory, food and shelter. The bluejay’s call is the defense system for all backyard wildlife. It is nature’s best alarm. One squawk alerts all other creatures to the dangers of predators. They scatter until the bravest return. This is why feeding the birds does not come without risks. Natural predators like hawks will frequent your backyard more often. The number one bird predator is the house cat. Cats are best to be observers from an inside window perch. Birds colliding into windows could increase; you can place decals on your windows to keep this from happening

Providing a natural water source is critical for their survival. Eating snow will lower their body temperature, so fresh water is essential for drinking but also for bathing. They carefully preen and clean their feathers during the day for a special oil to secrete. This will weatherproof their feathers and keep them dry and warm at night.

Finally, the bluebird arrives; his striking blue-and-rust chest against the gray sky and white snow is stunning. They travel with their lifelong mate and a juvenile or two. One perches quietly, watching over their loved ones as they dine on mealworms. They can become fierce if a house sparrow flies too close to their nesting cavity or food source. Their unfortunate decline is devastating. Humans have singlehandedly destroyed their natural habitat; however, we also joined together to assist in regaining population by providing bluebird nesting boxes.

Mine is the same yard they depend on in the warm season for nutrition found from native trees and shrubs that house the insects and seeds they rely on. They mate, breed and feed their young on my property. Whether they nest in my trees, drink from my water source or nest in a box I placed, I’ve become a wild bird landlord. 

My story is not unusual. I am an ordinary gardener who found brilliant creatures of color and life outside my window in the dead of winter. Simply put: If you’re a lover of nature, astronomy, science, meteorology, philosophy, literature, art or music, your backyard will call to you. It only requires you to sit, listen and watch.

If you would like to learn more, visit:

• North American Bluebird Society (NABS)
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• National Audubon Society – you may find local chapters through this website.

Social media also provides many wild bird groups specific to birds and locations. They can be a great resource as well. My advice is to be selective when choosing which group to join.

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Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. As OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, our articles will never endorse specific products or companies. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 • OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau