Expert: Julia Booth - 12/8/2008

Question
Hello again and thanks for the feedback before. I decided that I will release my beloved sparrow to where he belongs. I have concerns about the winter, I live in Ontario Canada (specifically near Toronto). Although the winter isn't deathly cold, there seems to be more snow then usual this year and I was afraid he might have a hard time finding food for himself. Also he has no feather on his skull and I was worried that he might freeze his little head. Should I wait until February when the winter warms up a little or do you think he will do all right now?

Thanks again, you've been a good help,

Nadia Bongelli

Answer
House Sparrows are year round residents where you live, meaning they are suited to living in such conditions. They are used to it. They have ways of keeping themselves warm, such as down, covering themselves with leaves or dirt, perching under freeways and in heating vents and hundreds of things you or I would never consider.

Right now there are thousands of House Sparrows in Ontario alone, that aren't living inside your home. Some will find food and some won't. That is the natural course of events. Only one tenth of the baby birds born during the spring, will survive to breed the following year. If this changed, we would have a problem with our food chain.

There is no shortage of House Sparrows in North America. Some might even say there are too many. My opinion is that animals are cute and fun and that it's kind and generous to want to save them from their inevitable peril. But ultimately, I think that wild animals do best in the wild.

The main concern for birds during the winter isn't directly whether or not they can stay warm. It's indirectly whether or not they can get enough fat in their diet so that they can stay warm. Suet feeders can help with this. You can buy suet cakes at the grocery store or you can make your own.

If you are concerned about your bird finding food, keep a feeder in your yard. A covered platform style is best. House Sparrows are grainavores, so most seed mixes will do. Safflower or sunflower are preferred. Make sure he knows where it is, before you release him. Don't be surprised if he comes back to visit. Don't be offended if he doesn't.

Good luck,

Julia