Despite the extreme heat wave along the Colorado Front Range, the hours of daylight are contracting and wild creatures take notice. After all, winter conditions can threaten the survival of many species and they can either head south or store nutrients for the leaner months; the latter choice may involve putting on a layer of fat or hoarding food while it is still available.
Among birds, nuthatches, woodpeckers and nutcrackers are best known for storing food and, this week, I have noticed an increase in that activity. Both white-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches reside on our Littleton farm and their seasonal storage activity has become especially evident. Snatching sunflower seeds from the feeding area, they head to crevices in the bark of our larger trees or in the wooden sides of our garage and barn; there they stuff in the seed for future consumption and begin another sortie.
It is entertaining to watch this instinctual behavior and reassuring to know that fall is on our doorstep. Hopefully, the oppressive heat and smoky air will yield to an inflow of crisp, clear mountain air by that time; given our worsening drought, an early snowstorm or two would also be welcome.
Among birds, nuthatches, woodpeckers and nutcrackers are best known for storing food and, this week, I have noticed an increase in that activity. Both white-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches reside on our Littleton farm and their seasonal storage activity has become especially evident. Snatching sunflower seeds from the feeding area, they head to crevices in the bark of our larger trees or in the wooden sides of our garage and barn; there they stuff in the seed for future consumption and begin another sortie.
It is entertaining to watch this instinctual behavior and reassuring to know that fall is on our doorstep. Hopefully, the oppressive heat and smoky air will yield to an inflow of crisp, clear mountain air by that time; given our worsening drought, an early snowstorm or two would also be welcome.
