In the News - January 2008
Birds Flock to Arkansas for Food, Health
LITTLE ROCK - Recently, a Canada goose was waddling toward its flock,
slightly miffed at the motorist following so closely behind him. Veering into
the turning lane, the goose displayed its displeasure by giving the driver of
honk of his own.
You can't beat Mother Nature, especially when it comes to the birds that
flock in your yard and trees in winter.
"Most of the birds people will see in residential areas are cardinals,
chickadees, house finches, juncos and doves," said Dr. Becky McPeake, wildlife
specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "Suet
feeders will attract woodpeckers and nuthatches, and fruit and nuts scattered in
the yard will attract mockingbirds and wrens."
You may also see robins, crows, blue jays, and sparrows flitting about the
dry grass, foraging for food. If you decide to feed the birds visiting your yard
in the winter months, commit to feeding them through to spring.
"Birds will get used to coming to your yard because they expect it to be a
food source for them," McPeake said. "To ensure they return each year, keep a
constant food supply available for them."
Then there are the birds of prey that lurk in trees and on wires near bird
feeders, watching for their next juicy bite. In neighborhoods with plenty of
open spaces, hawks will swoop down and snatch up an unsuspecting bird and wing
it back to devour in peace. According to McPeake, provide some thick shrubs near
your feeder for birds to flee, "but not too close, otherwise the neighborhood
cat may stalk birds at your feeder." Turkey vultures and other scavengers will
loiter on the sides of roads for downed birds or creatures who have met their
fate from vehicles.
"Generally, in winter, birds are focused on eating to survive until spring
when food is more plentiful," McPeake said. "When you see your yard covered with
dozens of blackbirds or robins, or you notice a gathering of doves pecking at
the ground, know that they are doing just what we are - working to stay
healthy."
However, when the Canada geese decide to commandeer the road, it's every
creature for himself in Mother Nature's world.
For more information about wildlife, visit extension's Web site,
www.uaex.edu,
or contact your county extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is
part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
January 25, 2008
By Kelli Reep
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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