The National Weather Service is predicting that several days this week overnight temperatures will drop into the low 20s.  When temperatures dip that low, wild birds need more energy than normal to survive.

       For example, when temperature dip to 30ºF and below, song sparrows must consume some 85 to 4,000 seeds per hour to maintain proper energy levels in their bodies.

       Keep this in mind when are currently feeding song sparrows in your yard.  Since these birds prefer to feed mainly on the ground, scatter seed beneath or near feeders.

       The list of seeds song sparrows prefer are white millet (a good example of a small seed), black oil sunflower seed (a large seed), and cracked corn.  I personally offer the birds white millet.  As you well know, a wide variety of other birds feed on these foods too. Consequently, you will be providing much needed for them also.

       A word of caution: make sure that seeds do not become places for bacteria and fungus to grow. This is especially a problem in mild, most weather.