Many people probably find the ongoing cold period unpleasant, especially after summer weather already prevailed at the beginning of April. For the local bird world, the drop in temperature is not only uncomfortable, but also a particular challenge as it falls in the middle of the breeding season. “The animals can usually survive a cold snap of two to three days well. But if the bad weather period lasts two weeks, as is currently the case, then things become critical,” says Johanna Kronberger from Birdlife Vorarlberg. If the situation worsens, it may even be the case that brooding or raising the chicks will be given up. Most parent birds – including those who are granivores – feed their young insects, as these are an important source of protein for the offspring. However, if the weather is wet and cold, it is difficult for the animals to find food because most insects hide in order to avoid being exposed to the elements. Feeding points in the garden are only partially helpful for breeding birds. “They can only serve as support for the adult animals. The young need insect food. “That cannot be replaced by fat balls and the like,” emphasizes Kronberger.
Winter instead of spring – drop in temperature: hard times for bird parents
