TOUGH BIRDS of WINTER | HOW do they SURVIVE it?

It’s a wonder how birds manage to survive the harsh winter season. Some of which, are extremely tiny causing researchers to scratch their heads in astonishment. In this video, I’m going to go over some of the toughest winter birds of the north and how they’ve adapted to survive. Enjoy
The Willow Ptarmigan is mainly found in subarctic tundra living year-round in places that most other birds can only manage to survive in over the warmer months. This master of camouflage is very well equipped to combat the bitter cold with feathers everywhere, on their eyelids, nostrils, and their feet making it somewhat easier to survive temperatures as low as -40
Although not a small bird, standing on an icy surface or floating in near-freezing water it is hard not to wonder how ducks and other water birds like gulls, can do this without getting frostbite and losing their limbs. How do they do it? Through a system called countercurrent heat exchange in the legs of cold-adapted birds.
The Canada Jay (Gray Jay) is a cold-weather specialist so well suited for winter. Living year-round as far north as Alaska, the Yukon, and Northwest territories, The plumage of Canada Jays is so effective at keeping them warm that they will breed in February and March when conditions are still quite frosty, that’s how tough they are.
The truly remarkable ones are the smaller birds. Like Chickadees. The Black-capped and Boreal live year-round as far north as Alaska. Weighing less than half an ounce, how do such dainty birds survive the harsh winter? Their half-inch-thick coat of insulating feathers helps them maintain body temperatures even when temperatures dip well below freezing. They can also lower their body temperature by as much as 12 degrees, being in a hypothermic state known as torpor.
Redpolls are true survivalists. And can survive temperatures of nearly -65 degrees F. In one day a repoll needs to eat 40 percent of their body weight in seeds to stay alive. They also put on roughly 30 percent more plumage by weight just before winter hits.
One of the toughest birds of winter is the Golden Crowned Kinglet. It’s highly unlikely to see these guys at feeders. How do these tiny creatures survive the long 16 hour winter night of the north? Quite a challenge for a tiny bird that expends so much thermal energy. You'll be surprised to learn that these little ones tough it out every night, shivering and huddling up with others until the next day. Truly a heart-touching thing.
How some of these birds have adapted to survive in such extreme conditions is nothing short of remarkable and humbling.
Do you agree that the Golden Crowned kinglet is a pretty remarkable winter survivalist? Who do you think is a stronger survivor?
I hope you enjoyed it. Happy Birding!
Photos and videos from free use websites:
The individuals' names can be found on their respective photo/video and /or found below (license at the end)
Countercurrent heat exchange diagrams:
by Ekann, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons with modifications made by LesleytheBirdNerd by adding text for added description, under (CC BY-SA 4.0), the diagram itself was not modified.
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
at 1:21
Willow Ptarmigan with eye closed by PetraKosonen from Canva.com/pro
Willow Ptarmigan foot by Arnstein Rønning, via Wikimedia Commons under license Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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00:00 Intro
00:35 Willow Ptarmigan
02:04 Ducks
03:52 Canada Jay
05:01 Chickadee
07:26 Redpoll
09:08 Kinglet
#LesleytheBirdNerd #ToughBirds #HowBirdsSurviveWinter

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

If you enjoyed the video. Liking, Leaving a comment or sharing it helps out in a HUGE way. From myself and my bird buddies, thank you ALL for watching. It's greatly appreciated!

[@chickadeecentral]

Thanks! Got any tips on doing a youtube channel?

[@cindypowers4993]

It's a joy to see your posts and and pictures! Thank YOU 😊❤️

[@selenerainey8406]

Your videos on these common backyard birds is riveting. Thank you so much, not only are the videos informative, but it's a pleasure to listen to your voice. I have crows, Blue jays and chickadees everyday in my yard. I live in southeastern NH, USA, and I put out peanuts and sunflowers seeds in the morning and the Blue jays dive bomb down to get them. The crows are more cautious and wait in the trees for their opportunity, singley, or in pairs, or threes. I swear they call other crows to come. They'll fill their craws with 3,4,5 whole peanuts at a time, and fly to the nearby house's rooftop to eat them. So wonderful to hear how they survive the winters. It was -7 last night and I wondered how they do it. Cheers!

[@marshaschaaf1313]

Thanks for sharing.

[@lisae1032]

Another wonderful video! Thank you Leslie🤓

[@heatherwhitworth]

I live in Pennsylvania and we are having record low temperatures. I keep seeing a tiny ruby crowned kinglet at my suet feeder. I've never seen one before. Cute little thing and he hovers like a hummingbird.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Aren't they so adorable? I love Ruby-crowned kinglets, and look forward to seeing them in Spring. :)

[@tarantulady8565]

I put out a very robust winter smorgasbord for the birds…they need it. I’ve got suet cakes, a black oil sunflower seed feeder & another with various seeds, grains & nuts. It’s like a superhighway…birds coming and going all day!🤣👍

[@ericpitre4031]

How cool you doing that. Love feeding N watching Cardinals N Blue Jays. America’s two fav songbirds. Love your vids🤙🕊🦜

[@Strix07024]

We do too and have counted 31 different species of backyard birds. Our feathered friends are very spoiled and enjoy a broad buffet of black oil sunflower seeds, different flavored suets, shelled peanuts, mealworms and nyjer seed. In addition, we have several wildflower patches and leave the seed heads intact until spring. My husband also built several birdhouse gourd shelters for them.

[@StopWhining491]

I normally do that, too, but I've cut back because of last winter (I live in GA). Last year we had many pine siskins and unfortunately many of them contracted what I suspect was a strep infection. Several of them died, but it appeared that they were the only breed affected. I did manage to capture one and support it in a cage until it was well enough to be set free. So I've stopped using feeders and just distribute seed over a wide area (about a half acre) on the ground.

[@tarantulady8565]

@@StopWhining491 Any way it works is good. We haven’t seen any communicable diseases spreading in the bird population here…but will change feeding tactics if we do.👍

[@Mafaldita1230]

@@StopWhining491 That’s a great idea, spreading the seed instead.

[@VitalityMassage]

Right now it is snowing and blowing like crazy but there is a little bird in my feeder just outside the window munching on seed. :) My birds are well fed!

[@fionaproctor6330]

Where are you? We’ve got a huge system moving in. Just starting to snow now but 40cm expected tonight and tmro.

[@MAC-op5fc]

Every time I see your videos I am reminded of the importance of planting native plants and not doing a Fall cleanup. The seeds are still viable to eat throughout the winter for our wild birds. Lovely video as always!

[@bludaizee24]

Yes! We bought a little old farmhouse at the start of the pandemic and there are a couple of huge old lilac trees. Almost as tall as the 2 story house! All of the care info says to trim them back and cut all old blooms off. But the first winter those blooms turned to seed & fed hundreds of birds. There's no way I'll ever trim them now!

[@michaelstrauss6587]

Lesley, I want to tell you about a short-eared owl that has been visiting the property lately hunting for moles. So, I always talk to the birds and other animals and they let me get real close. But a few nights ago a saw this owl in the yard again and when I began speaking to it it flew to me and landed in the tree I was standing next to. It perched on a branch just a couple feet away and seemed so comfortable near me. It was pretty cool.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Oh my gosh that is so awesome. What a cool experience.

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd wow 😎 video

[@fionaproctor6330]

Wow. Very cool.

[@MrGrouse09]

Short eared owl land in a tree?

[@michaelstrauss6587]

@@MrGrouse09 Yes, though it was not high in the tree, perhaps seven feet or so. I did see it in another tree a few days before that encounter, during a rain storm, but again not very high up. It was on the lowest branch of that tree, maybe eight or nine feet up. I've been looking for it since my last encounter when it came to me, but so far have not seen it around...but I sleep at night...

[@BirdsandGhibliFan]

FUN FACT: The Willow Ptarmigan is the state bird of Alaska. They are so adorable! 🥰 Anyway, it’s been cold where I live for awhile, and I have made sure that the birds have some energy-rich foods in the meantime, like peanuts and mealworms. The Carolina Wren couple, who are regulars to my feeders, are really appreciative of that. I’m so amazed that birds can endure such harsh conditions in the winter, and even raise chicks in the winter, in the Canada Jays’ case. I don’t think I could pull either off. LOL But I also feel bad for them knowing that they are sleeping through the cold. 🥶 The part about the Chickadees shivering at night made me shiver at the thought of imagining them doing it just to stay alive. Poor things. 😰 Nevertheless, thanks for sharing, Lesley!

[@susanpetro4415]

I LOVE the info!! I'm 71 and live in MARYLAND. My local birds keep me from being lonely. I buy seed and feeders. Thankyou so much for the photographer's hard work!

[@CyberSamurai4Life]

It’s been -25° to -35° in Ottawa recently. I got my feeder full of the oily sunflower seeds for them

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Brrrr 🥶 So nice of you to have your feeders ready with good food for the birds. :)

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I didn't see snowy owl🥺

[@heavenbound392]

went for a visit to my sister in mid Michigan, Houghton Lake. there was a posting on the community message board of snowy owls hanging around old 27 road. so we took a drive. yes, we found a male and female sitting atop a telephone poles. it was the coolest thing I've ever seen. we could see their head rotating looking for food. I was awestruck. many other people were stopping too. it was something I will not forget.

[@susanpetro4415]

I would LOVE to have seen that!!!!

[@LESLASLESLAS]

Thanks for the idea. That’s something the kids would love.

[@jillfoley6834]

Did you you bring bird seed with you to feed them?

[@heavenbound392]

No. They don’t eat bird seed. They are looking for live food in the grassy area. I’m looking forward to going back there soon.

[@patriciasette3040]

One of the feeders I keep for "my birds" is on the boundary of our property in Massachusetts, which abuts many acres of conservation land. As soon as they see me come outside, the birds start festooning the nearby bushes like little Christmas ornaments. They're "dining" almost the moment I turn back for the house. And I'm amused by the jays' reaction to corn cobs, which they usually snub during the summer. During this cold I can almost hear them saying, "Corn! My favorite!" as they strip the cob bare.

[@anotherhuman8173]

I've been watching most of these birds for years and never realized how much frenzied effort they have to put in just to stay alive! Just yesterday I was watching Canada Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, Boreal Chickadees, and redpolls coming to feeders in a black spruce bog in northern Minnesota. Now I understand better how their lives really depend on it!

[@aodh5966]

There's a little robin at my camping spot in the forest. He's so cheeky, he'll come right up to me when I'm not looking. He gets close in front of me too. I get the feeling he enjoys my company. He's the toughest trooper in the forest. The weather has been terrible here in Britain, I always feel for the little guy

[@BirdsandGhibliFan]

The Robin Redbreast is a pretty sweet bird. They seem to be pretty friendly, too, from what I have seen in videos. I visited the UK between late August and early September last year, and have seen some of the native and non-native species of birds, like the Magpie and feral Rose-Ringed Parakeets. I haven’t seen a Robin Redbreast during my visit, but if I did, it was too far away for me to truly identify it as the species. I hope I get the chance of a close encounter of this charming species during a future visit.

[@cyberjonesy]

This video, somehow, managed to bring an emotion out of me.😢 I feel for these little winter warriors ! Hang in there little guys.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

It's hard not to feel for them, they really fight hard to survive. Precious little birds

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I've never seen common redpoll

[@angiebyrdpersonal5345]

Lesley, my husband and I just adore you. We are long time subscribers, avid birders, met because I contacted him to get permission to paint a snowy egret photo he put on a Facebook birding group. We love your content! We love the perky music. We love how you name them and share education. Like I said, we love you. Thank you for all you do!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Aww Angela you are so sweet, not going to lie, kind of blushing right now. haha! I'm so glad you both enjoy my content and the fact I name my birds. So sweet how you two met. Have a really wonderful week ahead :)

[@traog]

I have 8 chickadees, 2 Harry and 2 Downy woodpeckers, and around 30 Red poles at my feeders. There are also some Magpies and Ravens around, occasionally I see the resident Horned owl around to. I have often wondered how such tiny critters live here in the winter, we just got through 3 weeks of temps from -25C to -38C. I have usually just feed sunflower seeds, but because of your videos where you feed peanuts, I got some, it took a little while for the chickadees to take them but now when I restock the peanuts they go for them very quickly, it makes me smile every time I see them come in and take a peanut.

[@gb8814]

gord were the ravens eating the sunflowers seeds as well If not what were you feeding them

[@fionaproctor6330]

Good morning Leslie, what a cold morning for your video to drop. We’re preparing for 40cm of snow tonight and tmro. Currently it’s -13c and the panic has begun. I have had probably a underdog birds to my patio and hundreds more at my feeders in my ravine back yard. Made a fresh batch of suet this morning which is so good for them in the cold weather. I watched one blue jay making his squawking noice and every time he opened his beak to squawk a puff of breath would escape.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Sounds like you are getting the same system we are in the middle of. Lots of snow and it was so cold today. That's really kind of you to make some suet for the birds, they will be going crazy after that stuff.

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd thanks Lesley I've always wanted to know how birds survive winter ☺️

[@fionaproctor6330]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I’m in Niagara Ontario. I make my suet in a pizza box lined in parchment paper. It makes 9 blocks. I start putting suet out when the weather turns cold as to my reasoning they need to “bulk up” for the winter considering how many calories they must burn to keep warm. I use animal lard, peanut butter, flour, corn meal, oats, bird seed, peanuts, raisins and meal worms. I consider it a deluxe suet lol. Best in the neighbourhood!

[@beekeeperupstate6951]

Great info about the foot blood heat exchange - had no idea of that! Thanks as always Leslie. My poor chickadees woke up to minus 7 here in upstate NY this morning. Needless to say, they have been coming and going to the feeders for black oil sunflower seeds and suet!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

I'm glad you enjoyed that part. Remarkable. It's been so cold here for us too, and out chickadees have been going silly too.

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

It's just amazing how these little cuties are so rugged!!!!

[@theteenagegardener]

A snowstorm is about to roll in, so I made sure to fill up all of my bird feeders so that all of my feathered friends will be well-fed. I have two bird feeding stations, and each station has a seed feeder, tray feeder, platform feeder, suet feeder, and seed stacker feeder. In mid-spring through early-fall, I swap out the platform feeder for a Hummingbird feeder. Great video, Lesley! 😁👍

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Wow you are all set up! Awesome! The birds are going to love you. Thanks for dropping by, :)

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I thought how dose that tiny bird survive 🤔

[@whateveriam12]

It's snowing right now over here in Raleigh, NC. The birds are kinda raiding my feeders.

[@icouldjustscream]

It's been a bit nippy here in New Brunswick. All the little birds are fluffed up! We are filling up the black oil sunflower seed feeder almost daily. The chickadees peek into the kitchen window shortly before sunset and that's my cue to bring them walnuts. They have me well trained! I've hung several roosting pockets lined with alpaca hair so they have that option to stay cozy.

[@fionaproctor6330]

I put up roosting baskets last year. Not sure if anything goes in them. Do you know if yours are used?

[@cindypowers4993]

It was 1 degree this morning, so this video is very timely! It's amazing the variety of ways birds manage to survive the winter, either through their physiology or their "smarts" in finding & storing food. I was most fascinated by the Golden-crowned kinglet for sure. Talk about a survivalist! #1, yes!! Thanks Lesley 🐦💙

[@ArleneDKatz]

Tough comes in many forms. Just loved this one. ❤️. We are having very few birds visiting Central Park this winter. Last winter was a miracle for us. Hope our chickadee, titmice, owl visitors are happy and healthy in their northern haunts.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

So true!

[@GunnyKeith]

THANKS LESLEY, APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. WELL DONE SISTER.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Hey, you're very welcome and thank you much :)

[@donnabeaudin9114]

I am always amazed by the birds of ❄️ winter! They are a tiny flying miracle of design and adaptability! The suet cages and bird feeders are kept full hoping to help more of them to make it through winter a little more comfortably. Thanks Lesley, this subject has always amazed me!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

You're welcome :)

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I long time ago I had birdhouse and there was tiny Carlina wren building a nest in it best experience ever😀

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd what was that bird you mentioned with big feet🤔

[@micahbirdlover8152]

herons do it they up their feet under their feathers ☝️

[@leahsavoie3528]

I love winter birds! A lot of the ones you’ve presented I had never seen. Have a great day!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

I do too, they are beautiful and so incredible. I'm glad that I presented some new birds to you in this video. :) You have a great day too

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd how do heroes keep warm🤔

[@k1m6a11]

What a great video! I'm not going to vote on the toughest survivor, but I really love chickadees, they're just the most fearless little birds I can't help but root for them.

[@connieclum8470]

Thanks Leslie,another interesting video.I wonder how the blue jays in Kansas USA stay warm.I have three that have been around for years.I feed peanut pickouts and sunflower chips.they come in and load their beaks and throat with the peanuts.

[@hankfrankly7240]

Good morning, I have a pair of Cardinals that come to my sunflower feeder. I've observed they come early but in the morning or at dusk.Both times when the number of birds is small. I've also observed when there are numerous chickadees and nuthatches at the feeder, they sit patiently on my lilac bush ten feet away.They are so much bigger, but seem to avoid the competition. Just wondering. As always, enjoyed your video. Thank you 😊

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy it. The Blue jays stay warm by puffing up their feathers to create little air pockets of trapped heat in between their body and plumage. They also stay hidden in very dense trees. To keep their furnace going they eat food they've cached away over fall :) All pretty awesome birds aren't they?!

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I've seen yellow rumped

[@marcelcanuck]

on really cold days -30 and bellow i've noticed the Chickie's are late to the feeders , guessing they sleep in for a few hrs.(not a bad idea lol) until the sun rises and warms things up a bit , thanx for uploading another great video

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Aww they are so sweet, just picturing them all snoozing a little extra. Smart

[@hankthebirdman]

Great video as always, Lesley!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Hey, thank you so much :)

[@hankthebirdman]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd Your Welcome!!!

[@repetemyname842]

Im old enough to recall when ducks and geese actually flew South each Fall. Somewhere along the way they decided it was easier to stay in Central Wisconsin all Winter long provided they can find some open water. These would be Canada goose and Mallard ducks. Nothing like driving to work on a -15F morning and seeing a hundred geese and ducks on the river, makes me wonder what the hell they are thinking and how/why they decided to stay up North here. Seems we first started noticing it in the 90s and Ive never heard a reason why, it used to be a big thing seeing or hearing the geese arrive each Spring. Great vid Lesley, all these tough birds are certainly a wonder. EDIT: A few months ago I mentioned I saw an unfamiliar bird while at work and the guide I have "Bird of the Midwest" did not show it, but looking at that Golden Crowned Kinglet Im positive that was the bird, the black stripes on the head are a dead ringer for what I saw. Not sure if they are common to us here

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Pretty cool how you recall a time like that. I can imagine it's pretty nice to see them all on the river, beautiful. You mentioned seeing a Golden-crowned Kinglet. There are some location in the Midwest that have them year round. and they also spend winters in the rest of the Midwest. They are so tiny and pretty. I'm glad that you seemingly saw one. Thanks for checking the video and for your nice comment.

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I think 🤔 the golden crested kinglet best survival ☺️

[@repetemyname842]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd : The Kinglet was a first for me, I felt lucky to be outside that day. While not an expert birder Im always on the lookout for things that dont quite look right, or typical. The yellowish body first drew my attention then I saw the two dark stripes on its head, I told myself "remember those stripes!" because I knew I was seeing something new to me. Kinda forgot about it until seeing it here in your vid so thanks for that.

[@DM-fj8wv]

Absolutely incredible, I have enormous respect for these little birds. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@Cubestone]

I keep my feeders supplied all winter and top off before storms. This video brought home just how important the extra help can be for the little feather balls. A great reward is the passing visitors that are attracted during spring migration. Bird-word gets around.

[@missshroom5512]

I’m in Michigan and I was just looking at the birds at my feeder wondering how they were making it. It’s coooold here❄️☃️☃️⛄️❄️Thankyou for the information ❄️❄️❄️

[@ShawninAZ]

I feed my little birdies daily but here in Arizona I know they’re safe and warm at night. The image of a tiny little bird shivering the night away in Alaska just breaks my heart but I guess that’s what they know. Thanks for another amazing video!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

I hear you Shawn. It really hits me in the heart too thinking of the little birds in such a cold climate. Thank you for the nice comment

[@wendytheriot9910]

We haven't watched these videos for a while because we don't like chasing the cats away from the tv...today as soon as we turned it on, and Leslie's voice came (no birds on screen), the cat that was downstairs with us went on alert! He knows her voice means birds are coming!!!

[@WellaWally65]

I make sure they have my Bird feeders full! I just love to see them! I can’t believe they’re out there with these low temperatures. Especially, my lovely Cardinal’s and my beautiful Blue Jay’s. Ptarmigans are the toughest! Amazing! Watching this video again, I must say, the tiny Chickadees are the bravest. Lol.

[@Squad21Photography]

We’ve been having -20° weather here and I’ve been so worried about my birds. Every morning I look out at my feeders and see them and it brings me such relief.

[@DerekLB]

Walked around my apartment yesterday and saw several Golden Crowned Kinglet. I've noticed that they like hanging around the Ruby Crowned Kinglets. I've been around both long enough this year that I can easily tell the difference in their calls. The Golden is the hardest to photograph bird I've ever dealt with. The Ruby seem to stop more often allowing me to get good photos. I'm so glad that we get so many of both of them here in South Carolina! 🤗

[@galebailey5583]

One bird I greatly admire for winter survival is the snowy owl. Just like the willow ptarmigan, every single inch of them is feathered. Where I live (northern New England), young owls come to visit our area for the winter to hang around large open places like airports and salt water marshes. They are a very beautiful, majestic sight.

[@bullitt7544]

I am so happy that you made this video. I had been wondering how their little toes didn't freeze. The Redpoll and the Chickadees were wonderful to see. Redpolls seem to come to the feeders here only years apart, but Jays and Chickadees, Nuthatch's are some I feed daily.

[@jeffolson4731]

Great video. I am very glad I found your channel. I always learn a lot about these amazing animals.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Hey thanks so much, I'm glad you find this channel good :)

[@bethgilford363]

This was wonderful, informative and beautiful to watch. Thanks

[@AdamantineAxe]

You could mention Anna's hummingbird's wintering in the pacific north west. Seeing them fighting a blizzard and matching the chaotic swinging of the feeder is quite a sight.

[@marylongoria9431]

God’s wonderful creation! Thank you for sharing Lesley❤️

[@anthonydavies6021]

I agree that the Kinglet takes the crown.... I watched a pair of our closely-related Eurasian Goldcrests a couple days ago, ceaselessly hopping from twig to twig in search of their invertebrate food, whilst making little high-pitched calls to each other. Like you, I find them quite magical tiny creatures.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

They are absolutely remarkable. I'm so glad that you watched one recently moving from limb to limb in search of grub. :)

[@gettingold59]

Great video again and happy new year. Been pretty frosty here with wind chill at about -38 so I have been putting extra sunflower seeds out. Feeder is very busy

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thanks a bunch and Happy New Year to you too. My gosh that is so cold, brrr. Good thing you have food going for the birds.

[@olgakuchukov6981]

The recent warm up then rain changing to snow and freeze-up has caused everything to be encased in ice, including all the seedheads my juncos usually bounce on to release seeds. I’ve got hanging suet and a feeder full of sunflower hearts and these were in high demand during the snow yesterday. Because their usual fare is iced over and covered by snow, I spread a bunch of dried echinacea and hyssop seedheads I had collected from spring cleanings in the past. This morning much ground hopping and feeding. 😊 Save the seedheads from cleaning up the garden in mid-spring, store them dry and feed in winter. And if they manage to sprout and grow somewhere in your garden, you’re now a nursery! Transplant to a different spot.

[@susana.954]

This was really fascinating! Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of birds with us! That kinglet is something else; it is almost inconceivable that such a tiny bird barely has to change its regular habits to survive the winter. It is so sweet to think of them all snuggled together!! 🥰As for the rest of the birds you mentioned, their struggle to survive the winter is extremely touching. Your video inspired me to have a greater appreciation for the little feathered creatures. It was snowing this afternoon, and I watched the bird feeder to make sure all my birds got something to eat. I saw all the regulars including my most recent newcomers, the two White-breasted Nuthatches, Cinnamon and Raisin. :-) Stay warm!! The winter up north is utterly brutal!

[@BirdsandGhibliFan]

Aw! Your Nuthatch friends have such cute names. 🥰

[@susana.954]

@@BirdsandGhibliFan Thanks, Brianna. They deserve special names because they are the first nuthatches to consistently come to the feeder. :-)

[@bonniebabird]

We're having a Winter snow storm here in VA, so I put up an extra feeder early this morning before it started. Yesterday I saw the first ever real Red-headed woodpecker I've ever seen! It was big and gorgeous! I have red-bellied and downy woodpeckers daily but this beauty was a real surprise! "Hey, Woody" I whispered.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

That is awesome!

[@cathywhite9240]

Ontario is in the middle of a snow storm, and I'm inside. Your love, knowledge & work is like these birds-Incredible. Once again Leslie, thank you.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Aww you are so kind, thank you and stay warm. We had a storm just the other night.

[@joyceblackburn6431]

Tellement instructif et surprenant !! Je pense souvent à eux durant les tempêtes d’hiver. Je vois qu’ils ont plus d’un tour dans leur sac !!😊

[@thebirdartistscottage]

One of the toughest birds of winter here in western Oregon are Anna’s Hummingbirds! Snow? Ice? No problem! These little birds are absolutely amazing in their ability to survive all kinds of weather conditions. And as soon as the sun comes out, the males start displaying for females even in the middle of January! They’re incredible!! Thanks for another lovely video, Lesley, and educating people about these amazing birds!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Oh wow, what an incredible bird. I'm going to have try to get some pictures and videos of them so I can include them next year when I talk about how some birds survive in winter. Thanks for mentioning the Anna's hummingbird to me.

[@thebirdartistscottage]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I’d love to collaborate on that one, if you’re interested!

[@passinthru4328]

Well, it would be hard to argue, based on this video, that the tiniest 6 gm golden-crowned kinglet it the toughest bird out there. I have never seen one in real life because they tend to hang around the tops of really tall evergreen trees in dense forest, but their song has been pointed out to me by knowledgeable birders. Fascinating video.

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

I agree! The Golden crowned kinglet is king of winter birds! I enjoyed thoroughly thank you happy birding!!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

It really is, amazing little birds. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this video, thanks for the nice comment. :)

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd any time!! Im the guy that put feathers in a cup of water and would pray and hope a bird would grow like a flower or something I was 3 or 4 years old all I wanted was to be a bird they're fascinating animals my connection to them is life long have had chickadees and golden crowned kinglets land on me before.... the brown creeper makes a very similar call like the golden crowned!!! Sorry my point is I'm learning more a lot more about birds by watching your channel 🙂

[@nerdcuddles7731]

birds are evolutionary perfection

[@dafnimbus]

I have three bird feeders and here in Massachusetts I am a member of the Audubon Society. I am 69 and I have been a birdwatcher for all my years as is my son.

[@omegasage777]

I've never heard of a willow ptarmigan before! They are so cute

[@mrs.g.9816]

I've always wondered how the teeniest birds survived subzero winters. Now I know. Here in Northern Vermont, it gets down to 30 below zero at least once during every winter. I'm happy that two neighbors have put out suet and seed feeders. I enjoy watching chickadees and downy woodpeckers fly back and forth to the feeders and am glad they have a little help!

[@Ovenbirder]

Excellent video Leslie! I love learning more about all the different adaptations birds have. Thanks for doing all the research and sharing it with this informative video. I’ll definitely be passing it along!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you for checking out the video and all your support. Appreciated. Birds are incredible beings.

[@shanpatrickbaker988]

My favorite birding channel of all time.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

🥰🐦 awww so happy to read that. Thank you

[@MorellioBenoir]

Yay thank you for another video!

[@gracieshomeandgardens5089]

I have 8 feeder around my garden. I just love seeing birds and enjoy them in my yard. Whenever I dont see birds around my feedee, I would tell my husband,ohh my birds are gone. He would then give me a funny look..😅

[@explosivemallard8038]

Fantastic video! Ducks swimming on freezing days like it's no problem is another reason why ducks are the ultimate.

[@Odonanmarg]

They are all quite remarkable.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

You said it! They are

[@3coins.]

These birds give me a lot of hope in winter and I really enjoy feeding them

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Yes, they are little angels.

[@joer4595]

Awesome video!! Thank you!!!

[@suzical]

💓🌸❄amazing. Thx hun!

[@ladypalomino3151]

Isn't God wonderful? The way He insulated their feathers and feet, legs. I've seen the little chickadees burrow in the snow too. So amazing. Thank you for the videos. So interesting.

[@jimrutin]

Wonderfully amazing! Thank you!

[@TheSoitenly]

This is a wonderful video Leslie, it really makes think about every time I complain about having to go outside and shovel the snow.

[@kateclark7250]

I didn't know most of this information. Thank you, Lesley.

[@EmbraceTheJourney]

another great informative video. Thanks Lesley

[@frustratedatheist9885]

They are all so precious, love them!

[@brennarobe9396]

This is an AMAZING video!!

[@jenniferkiehl6186]

Thank you Leslie! This was great information, those facts amazed me. These birds are tough!!

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Heartwarming stories - loved it.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great footage Lesley! Thank you for sharing it with us!💖👍😎JP

[@desertfox3860]

Nicely done! Thanks for sharing!

[@lindadelarosa2781]

I love you Leslie. From a Northern California follower look forward to all new content and forward to many friends. Thank you for your love and expertise.

[@winterwatson6811]

Tough little cuties! Thanks for another fantastic video

[@cfferry2002]

i don't live in the coldest environment, (chicago) but i'm always amazed when i see small birds out on a sunny or snowy day ... it always seems so hopeful to me to see them getting through another winter day

[@tinathorne8355]

Thxx. I always learn from ur videos.❤

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

So amazing!

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

I love all your work Lesley! Such amazing footage and narration! I look forward to all your videos and always learn something from each one. Thank you

[@Blue_3rd]

Fascinating! Thank you 😃

[@EvieO1950]

Very interesting info. The little teeny kinglet is amazing!!!

[@AlizaJayne]

Another wonderful video as *always*! ☺️🦆☃️🐦❄️

[@SharonNolfi]

Wonderful! I learned a lot. Thanks for making these videos/

[@darekw4710]

Kinglets are so adorable little guys.

[@ronin472100]

Excellent ! Thank You….

[@trull122]

o my goodness that was good. thanks so much for sharing! Those Kinglets are amazing, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the Chickadee.

[@kena662]

I am amazed at the belted kingfishers that stay around during the winter here in Northeast Ohio. (I think it is primarily the males.) No matter how cold it gets, they will find open water and dive down into it to get something to eat. I know their feathers keep them dry; but, it is still impressive to see them diving into the icy streams. The ducks and gulls out on Lake Erie are also pretty amazing, too. We watch them from shore all bundled up as they ride the waves, sit on the ice or dive for food. Then, we go back to our warm homes to get an easy meal and enjoy a warm bed while they are still out there overnight.

[@Kat-rn6dz]

Thank you Leslie ❤️🐦

[@christinedehm7313]

Loved this informative video and the beautiful images, Lesley! Thanks for posting it! I’ve only seen Golden Crowned Kinglets a few times over the years, and each time was a thrill…such sweet little birds!❤️

[@jamesferguson8938]

OUTSTANDING, LESLEY!!!🐤🐤🐤

[@alexchaudhri2405]

Brave little birds. Amazing and fantastic.

[@birdy1527]

I love your videos! Thank you for all the research and beautiful bird videos/pictures! I love to annoy my friends with all my random bird facts ❤️❤️❤️

[@denisepeck9682]

Great video! A treasure chest of wonderful information. Extreme survivalists - every one. I just can't resist the Mallards' cheery, chubby cheeks! Lesley, thanks so much for your work.