Birds often share nests and tree cavities on cool nights

 

Tree Swallows

In cold weather, they often share roost cavities with others of their species; everyone benefits from the cumulative body warmth. For example, Bluebirds often share a nestbox with young Bluebirds they raised earlier in the year. But on particularly wet, cool or windy nights, a dozen or more unrelated birds may pile into a single roost cavity to keep warm, if they can find one.

    At home, we simply set some sturdy boxes around, with entry holes near the bottom (so birds’ body heat can rise, but not escape). Since birds roost at night, we never actually see them, but we know they probably won’t die out in the cold.

 

The Dawn Chorus          The songs and calls of birds are incredibly interesting and relaxing, even if you have no idea who’s making them or what they mean.  Try this – set up one of those lightweight lawn chairs in your back yard just after dawn (it’s by far the best time to hear birds, but neighbors may question your sanity). Sit down, close your eyes and listen to the dawn chorus.

 If you’re like me, and want to stay in bed  - just lie there (hopefully near a window) and listen.

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.