Feathered Friends Myths

Today, we’ll talk about the myths, I often hear. Let’s begin with the little darlings.

Hummingbirds

• An acquaintance stopped by while I was working in my garden. We talked about flowers then transitioned to hummingbirds. She was quite miffed when her neighbor left her hummingbird feeder out, well into late September. “That’s really bad for the birds because they hang around longer than they should.” I wanted to argue, but let it go. But there is no truth to that. Hummers that do hang around are those who may be sick or injured, so you may be helping the wee ones.
• Another persistent myth is that hummingbirds migrate on the backs of larger, stronger birds. However, just like other avian creatures,they fatten up for the trip by eating large amounts over a period of days prior to migrating. They may also wait for favorable winds to help them along their route.
• They only feed on red flowers or only drink from feeders with food coloring. No to both! While it seems to be true that brightly colored flowers are more easily noticed by hummingbirds because their vision skews to the red or “warm” part of the light spectrum, hummers will feed from flowers of any color so long as the blossoms contain nectar.
• Hummingbirds must migrate to survive. While true of most species, many Anna’s hummingbirds spend the winter months along the Pacific coast. Some, like the rufous which nests as far north as Alaska, are hardy enough to survive snowstorms.

General facts

• When feeding ducks and geese, it’s better to give them wheat than white. Nada. Neither! Bread is an unnatural source of food and can cause digestive discomfort. It swells after consumption, causing not only pain but a false sense of fullness. Also, there is little nutritional value for them.
• Touching a baby bird, will cause it to be rejected by its parents. False! Birds have a limited sense of smell, and most won’t even notice if you’ve handled their chicks. If you find a baby bird out of the nest and it’s uninjured, gently place it back nearby and let the parents do their job. Parents are incredibly devoted — many will continue caring for their young even after nest disturbances.

• Feeding birds in the summer is pointless. Untrue. Birds will still forage. What you provide is a supplement to their diet, especially when raising their young. Fledglings get extra protein and energy. Plus, it’s fun for us birders.
• All birds migrate in winter. False. Just look out your window. In my neck of the woods (northern lower Michigan), we spot downy and hairy woodpeckers, slate-colored juncos, red-wing blackbirds, goldfinches, white and rose-breasted nuthatches, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, tufted titmice, pine siskin, house sparrows, and house finches, in our yard.
• Peanut butter will cause birds to choke. Nada! Peanut butter is a source of high protein, especially in the winter. You can also buy suet which contains this delicious and nutritious snack.
• Birds’ feet will freeze to metal feeder perches in the winter. Nope! Their feet are designed to handle the colder months. Since there is a low blood flow and lack of sweat glands in their feet, there’s nothing to stick to the frozen metal perches. To protect winter feeding birds, place your feeders in a dry, covered area.

• Birds sing because they are happy. Well… birds sing to attract mates, defend their territories, and warn other birds of predators. Singing is a complex form of communication that helps them survive and reproduce, and the specific calls they make can also be used for other purposes, like flock communication and parental care.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about our feathered friends.
*all photos by yours truly