Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: cairnstone on November 20, 2014, 05:04:35 PM

Title: Hermit Thrush in winter.
Post by: cairnstone on November 20, 2014, 05:04:35 PM

Each year I have one or two Hermit Thrush that winter around my yard. Their habit is to forage around the foundation of houses where the reflection of the sun melts the snow back a little. I see them doing this even on the most brutally cold January days. I have at least two here now and expect one or two all winter. Is there anything I can offer them through the winter?

Title: Re: Hermit Thrush in winter.
Post by: Pat Hodgson on November 21, 2014, 09:42:04 AM

Mealworms, maybe?

Title: Re: Hermit Thrush in winter.
Post by: lucky tern on November 21, 2014, 11:40:49 AM

Food

Insects
In spring, the Hermit Thrush eats mainly insects such as beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants, wasps, and flies. They also occasionally eat small amphibians and reptiles. In the winter, they change their diet to eat more fruit, including wild berries.


taken from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/herm ... ry#at_food (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermit_thrush/lifehistory#at_food)

berries might be a lot cheaper than mealy worms.