Cold-weather problem
Posted on December 16th, 2008 – 5:07 PMBy Jim Williams
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak that has been visiting our feeders arrived this morning with a problem. It had a twig frozen to its bottom. It appeared that fecal matter had frozen both to the bird and the twig. It flew from whatever perch taking part of the perch with it. This is a cold-weather problem I had not heard of before. So, the bird tells its grandchildren, “I can remember when it was so cold that ….” By afternoon the twig had disappeared. If the bird survives until Saturday it will be a star among Christmas Bird Count species. It also will be one tough little bird.
3 Responses to "Cold-weather problem"
So while this Rose-breasted Grosbeak becomes a star in Minnesota, is it doomed to perish as a result of this wintery weather ?
They are such elegant looking birds; however that’s certainly not the case under the circumstances. Kinda like the person who walks out of the restroom with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of their shoe. !
Gotta wish him “Good Luck”.
It might not be doomed. It feeds several times a day, and appears to be roosting in spruce trees nearby. Such a roost would give the bird some protection from the wind. But it does have many cold weeks ahead.
Pine or Cedar: Neither of these timbers should be used to construct a cage.
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