Image Up Advertising & Design

24 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2025 By Gerri Karczynski When we have sunny days here at Four Seasons you will see many bird species in your backyard and on our trails. That changes when we get rain and wind. Birds typically do not like f lying when it rains. It is not the light rain that causes them to hunker down. It's hard rain and our Beaumont winds that makes them seek shelter in trees, hedges, and other places. On top of that, the air temperature that comes with rain is typically lower, making it harder to f ly. It requires extra energy to f ly in the wind, so most smaller birds conserve energy by hunkering down in a sheltered spot. Birds that roost on branches, such as sparrows, finches, crows, songbirds etc., tend to perch on a thick branch very close to the trunk on the side most protected from wind and rain. When these songbirds are relaxed, their feet grasp automatically, so they can sleep while tightly clasping the branch. How have fires significantly affected birds in our own community? If the fire burns through important bird habitats here or in the L.A. area, birds that rely on those areas for nesting or feeding may be forced to move. Migrating birds may be diverted from their usual routes causing them to spend more time searching for food and shelter possibly in our own neighborhood. Yes, birds can f ly away to escape the immediate f lames. But how do they survive the days and months after the fire? There is a lot you can do to help birds. The next few months will be particularly good times to put out food and water for birds. You also might have a pleasant surprise. You might see certain species of birds you normally do not see at your feeders or in your yards or on the trails here. A bird bath can be a life saver. The very simplest way to provide water is a large plant saucer or shallow basin in your yard with water. Do not make it too deep and put a rock in it for a bird to perch on to take a drink. Bird watching is therapeutic. Sitting out on a covered patio — or even inside at a light-filled window — to watch for birds is an easy way to get a boost of vitamin D and a feeling of well-being. Below are a few birds you may see in your yard this winter. My favorite is the Spotted Towhee. It is such a treat to spot one of these dapper-looking birds foraging on the ground for seeds and bugs. The White-Crowned Sparrows are winter visitors who are known for their black-and-white striped "crown." Robins also have returned to our trails. Check out allaboutbirds.org online for identifying birds. Winter Birds in Four Seasons White-Crowned Sparrow Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow

• Cover