Time to Fold!

   While I normally love winter and its attempt at being cold here, this year, I am feeling it.  I feel cold.  I am cold.  Since I am feeling it, I pondered if the critters are doing the same.  This afternoon, I watched as a Great Egret perched itself on one of the pier posts.  Today was warm but how does that long, lanky bird keep warm during the cold spells?  Short, stocky birds simply find a place out of the wind and fluff out their feathers.  They tuck their heads deep into the downy feathers and squat on their legs and feet.  The airspace between the feathers acts as insulation keeping them warm.  The egrets and herons do not have that much of a tucking ability. Think about those long legs and that thin neck.  Where would you tuck that many skinny body parts?

  Egrets do tuck their necks into a "S' fold and lay it flat on their chest.  The feathers fluff out to form a cushiony blanket.  The legs are often folded back and the bird can squat on them enough to provide some warmth when resting.  When hunting or stalking food, the bird stands knee deep in water and is motionless.  To remedy that, the birds have a special system of arteries and veins that literally work to warm each other.  The blood pumped through is enough to help the bird keep from freezing while it wades in the water.  All herons also have special feathers that keep growing.  The tips of these feathers break off to produce something called powder down or feather dust.  This dust helps to waterproof the feathers so the bird can stay dry.  Being dry goes a long way in helping with warmth.  Most egrets will also seek out a sheltered place to spend the night or during particularly rough weather.  

  Later this week, we are predicted to have almost tropical storm force winds, lots of rain and generally stormy weather that is supposed to end with a cold front sliding into the area.  My critter friends will be using all of their survival skills during this time.  While the herons and egrets will still have to hunt for their breakfast, a shot of birdseed will be put out to help the songbirds.  Folks, be kind to wild critters.  They do not have the cozy warm homes that we do.  Leaving a brush pile or thick hedge helps the birds stay warm.  Be kind!