Where have all the birds gone?

SMITHFIELD - Audubon Society of Rhode Island naturalist Kim Calcagno says she receives numerous calls and e-mails this time of year from concerned people who have noticed a dearth of birds in their yards and local parks.

"Just as we can set the seasonal clock by the springtime robin and woodpecker phone calls, the start of autumn is distinctly marked by the profusion of calls asking what has happened to the birds," she said in a news release.

Calcagno says it is part behavioral and part nutritional.

"During the spring and summer, birds are focused on breeding. They come out to find a mate. They search to find nesting material. They forage endlessly for all those mouths to feed.

"The birds you see are constantly taking risks by coming out in the open and exposing themselves to predators to get these things done. Once breeding is over for the season, they have some time before the winter comes to 'lay low' a bit, staying out of the view of predators and keeping out of the open areas. This behavior is normal and comes with the season."

The other reason has to do with food sources.

"The seed you put out, even in the cold of winter, is only a percentage of the birds' complete diet. The birds take advantage of it, but do not require it - and will not starve if you go away on vacation, so don't worry.

"In late summer and early fall, the forests and fields are simply burgeoning with trees and shrubs that are full of ripe fruit, berries, seed pods and other fresh, highly nutritious and easily obtainable food," adds Calcagno.

"The birds are foraging in these trees, thickets and meadows in search of these treats. Whether a bird will migrate or will stay in the area and face the cold of winter, this fall harvest helps them build up the necessary fat and muscle for the work ahead. They take advantage of the food sources while they can. It will be winter soon enough and they will once again have to work harder to find food."

To learn more about wildlife, bird feeding, or if you have questions about nature, visit asri.org and view the calendar of upcoming fall and winter programs, or call 949-5454.