How does local wildlife adapt during harsh winter weather events?

The harsh realities of north central Ohio winters provide an opportunity to showcase the resiliency of local wildlife.

For Julie Schwartz, executive director of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, it’s a time when the remarkable abilities of birds are on full display.

“They are not simply ‘enduring’ it (winter) like many of us. They are responding to it through an elegant combination of both biology and behavior,” Schwartz said.

Birds, along with other wildlife like deer, will need to lean on their biology and behavior this weekend. The National Weather Service office in Cleveland has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Saturday at 7 p.m. through Monday at 10 a.m. Up to a foot of snow is predicted across portions of north central and northwest Ohio.

The warning area includes Richland, Ashland and Knox counties. Additionally, sub-zero wind chills are expected Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday night and Monday morning.

So, how will local wildlife adapt? We asked Schwartz and Brandon Schroepfer, natural resource manager and naturalist at the Knox County Park District, to weigh in ahead of this weekend’s winter weather event.

Birds adjust to endure what may be ‘lethal’ to many animals

When temperatures plunge and food becomes scarce, birds make several physical, behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow them to endure what might be lethal to many animals, Schwartz said.

Many species that are not as well suited for winter migrate south, she said. But several winter-hearty species reside in Ohio year round, including songbirds such as black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, nuthatches, cardinals, eastern bluebirds, and woodpeckers.

Raptors like hawks and owls, waterfowl such as geese, ducks and swans and corvids such as American crows and blue jays also stay in the Buckeye State 365 days a year.

Feathers work as nature’s insulation system, Schwartz said, trapping warm air close to the body. Birds will even fluff their feathers to increase the thickness of this insulating layer.

“Their feathers are also coated in oils that help to repel moisture. Darker plumage in some species absorb more solar heat during winter months,” she said.

As winter approaches, birds also increase their food intake and build fat reserves. These fats act as both energy storage and thermal protection, according to the executive director.

“They also consume higher fat foods like nuts, seeds and suet during cold snaps,” Schwartz said. “Birds will also shift to eating whatever is available (while insect-eaters may be found relying upon seeds or winter berries in winter months).”

She also shared these facts about how local bird species adapt to harsh winter conditions:

• Bird metabolism speeds up in winter to generate more heat from within. Many small bird species can enter a controlled state of hypothermia at night. This helps them conserve energy. 
• Birds will often roost together in winter and seek shelter inside of tree cavities, nesting boxes, shrubs, abandoned buildings or even in snow burrows. Getting out of the wind aids in reducing heat-loss. 
• Bird anatomy also plays a role. Countercurrent heat exchange in their legs and feed reduces heat loss while standing on ice or snow. Birds have minimal nerve endings in their feet, too. This reduces the risk of any frost damage.

Schwartz said Ohioans should not be afraid to provide food to winter birds.

“Providing food to birds in the winter time will not change their migratory patterns or prevent them from flying south for the winter,” she said. “Suet, peanuts and black oil sunflower seeds are all good, high-quality fats that can sustain birds.”

Berries and chopped up grapes are also favorites and can provide both sugar and water, she said. But do not feed birds bread — which is of little nutritional value and can make birds feel full, leading to starvation and nutrient deficiencies.

“Bear in mind that liquid water can be harder to find than food. A heated bird bath or a basin placed in a sunny area can be a huge help,” Schwartz said.

Though a little late for this year, she recommended when putting garden or flower beds “to bed” for the winter to leave some stuff behind, like brush piles, fallen leaves and seed heads standing.

Avoid heavy pruning of bushes until spring and allow dead trees (when safe) to remain for cavity-nesting species. These choices provide shelter and sometimes additional food sources, Schwartz said.

Winter is also a beautiful time to bird watch, she said.

“If you’ve never done a feeder before, winter is the absolutely perfect time. Then, grab your binoculars and a Sibley Guide to Birds — or a phone equipped with the Merlin app — and have a ball,” she said.

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is also open year round to visitors, where birds can be hand-fed in its aviary. It is located at 3774 Orweiler Road in Mansfield.

What about other wildlife?

One strategy used by wildlife species to escape winter is hibernation, Schroepfer said.

During hibernation, an animal will enter into a state of dormancy by lowering its body temperature, heart rate and breathing. Some local examples include groundhogs and turtles.

“Groundhogs will hibernate in a burrow from approximately October to March, depending on conditions. Turtles will burrow themselves underwater during the winter months and will exchange small amounts of oxygen through their skin during this time to survive,” he said.

Many other smaller mammal species utilize a similar strategy called torpor — which can be thought of as a short duration hibernation that can last from a few hours to a couple of days.

When conditions are harsh, wildlife species such as squirrels, skunks and raccoons will enter a state of torpor to conserve energy until conditions turn more favorable, according to the naturalist.

“To stay warm during the cold temperatures of winter, some wildlife species will grow a thicker fur before and during this time. Deer and foxes will grow thicker fur to help insulate their bodies during the winter, similar to the coats we wear to keep us warm,” Schroepfer said.

“This thicker fur will also trap warmer air from the body which enhances the heat retention of the animal during the colder temperatures.”

Whether it be migration, hibernation, fur thickening or using fat reserves, Ohio’s wildlife demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in managing the extreme conditions, he said.

“These strategies have evolved throughout time and are reasons why wildlife in Ohio are able to survive the winter season each year,” Schroepfer said.

Q & A with north central Ohio naturalist

Below are Schroepfer’s responses to a few more questions about the responses of local wildlife to winter weather events:

Source Media: What do area conservation folks advise residents to do (and
not do) to help wildlife?

Schroepfer: Through my career, I have always heard the phrase, “Keep wildlife wild.” Sometimes members of the public get involved with what they think are wildlife issues, but in reality, are just normal tendencies for wildlife. Some animals leave their young for periods of time in the spring to forage for food, but will return. Other animals will pretend to be injured to lure potential predators away from their young. My point is although an animal may appear to be in harms way, many times these are normal behaviors and tendencies.

I would suggest to err on the side of not trying to assist wildlife unless you
absolutely know that an animal is injured or sick. If a resident can confirm an animal is
indeed injured or sick, they can contact their local county wildlife officer.

Source Media: What about shelter?

Schroepfer: Wildlife will use a variety of different shelters during the winter months. Birds, squirrels and other small mammals can find shelter in tree cavities, ground burrows and even utilize human structures such as old farm buildings and garages. Some animals such as rabbits will utilize brush piles that can be found in the woods. These piles can be naturally occurring or can be created by habitat managers or land owners for the purpose of a designated shelter. Shelter for deer can consist of areas that are blocked or sheltered by wind, such as depressions in the landscape rather than in the open or on a hill.

Deer will also find thermal refuge in evergreen forests and other thick forest stands. These areas can hold thermal heat longer and keep the deer out of the wind.

Source Media: Does human recreation disturb/make a difference to winter wildlife survival?

Schroepfer: My opinion is no, human recreation does not disturb or a make a difference to the overall winter survival of animals. Passive activities such as hiking may spook animals along the way, but they are able to adapt and find another safe spot fairly quickly. Hunting will in affect a select number of individual animals, but the results from a hunting season actually may increase the survival and overall health of the local deer herd.

Source Media: Any other thoughts/comments?

Schroepfer: Wildlife species are well suited to survive the winter months. They have adapted and evolved throughout time. If we were in Minnesota or Wisconsin dealing with -55 wind chill values, I would say those conditions would definitely impact wildlife species and that the weather would cause higher winter mortality numbers.