If feeding birds this winter, put out extra amounts of high calorie foods such as suet during these bitter cold snaps. Staying warm drains birds’ energy supplies quickly.

Many experts suggest providing open water for birds during the winter so they save some calories by not having to convert snow into water. If choosing to do that, be extremely careful. Wild Instincts recently admitted an American Goldfinch that had been frozen to a metal pole supporting a bird feeder. It had first visited a bird bath before perching on the pole.

Cover all metal in the yard and area if open water is accessible.

Wild Instincts may be reached for injured and orphaned wildlife emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 715-362-WILD (9453).