I have been getting asked quite a bit recently about how this weather affects our birds. Well, birds are pretty tough little critters, and they can deal with most of what nature can throw at them. However, there are certainly some effects, both positive and negative that this unusually cool and wet (and long-lasting) has on some of our bird species.

Species that forage on flying insects certainly have a tough time on rainy days, but this weather is especially tough on species such as Purple Martins (rare and local in Maine) and Chimney Swifts that feed higher in the air. Most other swallows readily forage lower. Some of these species, as well as early nesting insect eaters such as Bluebirds, do have problems providing food for youngsters in this weather. Some may not even bother nesting, delay nesting, or unfortunately fail in their nesting attempts.

Birds such as American Woodcocks and some ducks that nest in low wetlands likely had nests flooded, as did riverside bank-nesters such as Northern Rough-winged Swallows. (On the other hand, roaring rivers will cut new nesting habitat for these species) Other species who poorly chose nest sites, or are forced to spend more time away from their nests finding food, may lose young to exposure.

Meanwhile, some species certainly benefit. As you may have noticed, when the sun does come out, so do the bugs – all of these puddles provide fertile ground for a bumper crop of insects, such as mosquitoes, providing an abundant food source for all. Lush vegetation provides cover, and all of this rain will likely produce a bumper crop of seed for the fall and winter.

Meanwhile, at the feeders, this constant wetness does mean we need to be even more vigilant with maintenance. Rotting seed poses a health hazard, and clogged feeders prevent birds from feeding. It’s almost impossible to keep seed dry in any feeder in weather like this, so we want to encourage the use of feeders that dry out quickly and/or are easy to clean. Also, at some point, the seed will simply go stale and we need to empty, clean, and refill the feeders or the birds’ won’t have interest in them. One tip is to not top off your feeders. Wait for them to be nearly empty, dump the last little bit on the ground and rinse and dry your feeders before you refill. Also, be aware that the rainwater will dilute the solution in most hummingbird feeders, and this could be harmful – or at least unattractive to hummingbirds. Refresh your sugar solution regularly in this weather.

So, when it comes down to it – birds can’t change the weather either, so they have to deal with it, just like us!

But, despite the weather, there are still a few passerines trickling north. This morning, at Hedgehog Mountain Park, I enjoyed a singing Mourning Warbler – my first for the park - that certainly brightened my day!