Bird feeders can make a difference for species wintering on P.E.I., nature group says

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says more bird species are choosing to spend their winters on P.E.I. — but with less forest cover, they may need some help to make it through until spring.

The conservation group's Jensen Edwards said that while many of the familiar shorebirds seen on Island beaches in the summer like plovers and lesser yellowlegs have already flown south, plenty of others remain.

“You've got your classic chickadees and nuthatches, as well as many species of woodpecker and larger animals... like owls and different raptors might still be in the forest and circling the fields around P.E.I.,” Edwards told CBC’s Island Morning.

He said species such as snow geese and certain boreal birds actually migrate from farther north and find the Island’s winters milder compared to their breeding grounds.

“For some birds, P.E.I.’s winter is their summer climate, as bizarre as that might be.”

Food availability is one major reason some birds stick around through the Island’s cold months.

Edwards said many rely on natural sources like berry bushes and seeds found in forests, and on food provided in backyard feeders.

“That's why, over the next few months, it is quite helpful to put out your bird feeder,” he said.

“You can really, really help support these birds that are toughing it out over the P.E.I. winter.”

He said habitat loss from development has made it harder for birds to find natural food sources across Canada.

About 30 per cent of P.E.I. remains forested, Edwards said, which is why the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other groups are working to protect these habitats.

If Islanders are putting out feeders, Edwards said they should also make sure to keep them clean.

“Diseases like avian pox can spread at these bird feeders,” he said.

He recommends washing feeders with hot water and soap, or with a 1-to-9 bleach-to-water solution to neutralize germs.