Birds have actually taught us a lot about staying warm. They trap warm air in their downy feathers (beneath their flight feathers). This warm air trapped between the feathers and their skin helps keep them warm. In fact, we got the idea for down feathers used in coats and blankets from them!
This trapping of warm air makes them look puffier. Sometimes we might think they were just fat if we didn’t know what they were doing to protect themselves.
And what about their feet….don’t they get cold? Not really because birds feet have scales on them that don’t really feel the cold like our bare feet would if we were walking around outside in the snow. Their feet don’t conduct the cold like ours do.
What else do birds do to stay warm? At night they may find a tree cavity or a nest box to roost in….often with a number of other birds like them. The shelter and the body heat of the group helps to keep them warm. They also tuck their heads under their wings to conserve even more heat. Smart birds!
What do other animals do to stay warm?
Squirrels spend a lot of time in the fall eating as much as they can find so they build an extra layer of body fat to help them through the winter and keep them warm. They also stash lots of nuts and acorns so they can find food when the ground is covered with snow.
They build leaf nests in trees, and if they’re lucky, they may find an abandoned owl box to build a nest in. Often they live in these nests with a mate and raise their young in late February and early March in these nests.
Deer also build body fat to help them stay warm. They have hollow hairs on their bodies with an inner layer of thick fur that helps them stay warm. The hollow hairs help trap warm air close to their skin.
They often huddle together in groups in the winter to take advantage of each other’s body heat. Staying out of the wind is important. So hiding among the trees helps them stay warm and protects them from predators too.
Our feathered and furred friends have many ways of knowing how to protect themselves from harsh winds, the cold and snowy nights and days. Watch the birds and squirrels with your children this winter. Talk about what you learn together about how they survive winter in Central Illinois.
Deanna Frautschi is a local Naturalist who is passionate about connecting families with nature. Using her knowledge of wildlife and her photography skills, she helps others enjoy the nature around them. If you have any questions about exploring nature with your children and grandchildren, you may contact Deanna at Decardinal@aol.com. Join the hundreds who follow her on Facebook where she posts photographs and short video clips of birds and other wildlife taken on her travels as well as in her yard. You can also join her "Nature Lady Lessons" and "Hummingbirds Anonymous" Facebook group pages.
