The winter period is perhaps the most difficult in the life of some birds. Of course, we are talking about sedentary birds, since migratory bird species fly to the southern regions to survive the harsh winter in milder conditions.
Instructions
Step 1
Russian winters are famous for their severe frosts, which do not spare anyone: neither birds, nor mammals, nor other animals. In this regard, animals (especially birds) need additional help from humans. Many sedentary birds (pigeons, sparrows, tits) independently make the first step, gathering in flocks and flocking closer to settlements, while people are only required to lend a helping hand to them.
Step 2
There is an opinion among people that birds fly south because they are cold. This is not true. It's all about the food that is absent in the winter period. The birds that are most picky about food remain for the winter, and they do not disdain to feed themselves near garbage cans, etc. However, you will not be full of such "food": it is not nutritious, it is not enough. That is why a person, feeding birds in winter, does them an invaluable service! Of course, it is impossible to provide full food for all birds without exception - some will get more, some will get less, and some will be left without another lunch at all.
Step 3
Nevertheless, people who want to help the birds survive the winter need to take care of special feeders. Feeders can be made from wood or plain paper. Often times, people just use some kind of boxes, hanging them from their windows, hanging them on trees, etc. If everything is clear with feeders, then with food for birds - not quite. The fact is that you need to feed them not just anyhow, but certain food. Bird watchers recommend making a special mixture for the birds.
Step 4
The composition of such a mixture should include sunflower seeds, accounting for 75% of the total feed. The fact is that sunflower seeds are a high-calorie product, therefore they should be the main energy source for sparrows and tits. In addition, the vegetable fats contained within these seeds are beneficial for nuthatches, woodpeckers, and in general for all granivorous birds. In addition to seeds, ornithologists advise placing calcium supplements in the feeders that serve as common food for poultry: chicken egg shells, pieces of plaster, crushed chalk, etc.
Step 5
Some birds that have remained for the winter in their native lands prefer to eat millet, oats, rice, millet, and wheat. Birds such as sparrows, goldfinches, greenfinches flock to this food. Feeding birds in winter is a noble cause. Experts recommend doing this together with children, since such an experience will allow them to better study the behavior of birds, their species, as well as develop in children a love for animals and respect for the surrounding nature.
