No Winter: Good For Wildlife?

A good majority of Minnesotans have enjoyed the winter of 23/24. Lack of snow and extended freezing cold weather are the main reason. I know some folks need the snow and cold for a mulitude of reasons and in my younger days I completely enjoyed cold and snow…but not as much anymore. But for the most part our wildlife got a repreive from winters wrath too.

I know cold and snow has many benefits but I think our wildlife is in a healthier place because of a lack of cold and snow. Food is readily available. Meaning a better winter survival rate for most beasts. And for anglers the fishing prospects are better this spring and summer with less winter kill and less fishing pressure.

Personally I have seen more wildlife this winter because of the lack of cold and snow. It’s been easier to get out into the wild. And since it’s been easier to go birding more folks have posted more sightings. This of course is a double-edged sword but for the most part birders like to share what they saw and most are respectful of nature.

My backyard has seen far more activity this winter. My feeders have been very busy. It’s my opinion that bird feeders are always busy in winter…especially cold and snowy winters but when I compare my memory to what I’m witnessing now I do believe that more birds and animals are visiting my yard this winter. My guess is it’s just easier for the animals to seek out food. And I’m sure that lack of deep snow cover makes it easier to see beasts.

This winter, in my backyard, I have consistently viewed barred owls, pheasants and deer in addition to the cardinals, woodpeckers, juncos, chickadees and blue jays. I hear or see coyotes almost every day. And lets not forget the squirrels and chipmunks. I’m sure because these rodents are more active so are the barred owls.

It will be interesting to see what happens to my backyard activity if we get a foot of snow next week. My guess is it will slow down wildlife activity. Birds and animals will hunker down and wait for kinder conditions to resume a heavier level of activity.

My feeders will be full!