Frozen: New England Wildlife and the Winter Landscape

     Winter can be a challenging time for animals here in New England. In addition to cold temperatures, snow and ice transform the landscape in ways that impact their ability to hunt and forage. Last year a thick layer of snow melted and refroze as ice, making it difficult for ground animals to move around and for raptors to hunt. Young barred owls were brought to animal rehabilitation centers in record numbers sick, hungry, or injured. When the ground is covered in snow or ice, owls and other raptors are more apt to hunt near roadways and to be struck by cars.

This barred owl was perched along a busy road in daylight, an indication that it may have been having difficulty finding prey.

     Animals adapt to the season in different ways. Some, of course, hibernate or migrate. A good number remain active, however, and birds like snow buntings, tree sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, snowy owls, and a variety of waterfowl arrive from the North. 

Pileated Woodpecker IV

     Birds have unique adaptations that help them survive the cold temperatures, and they manage to stay warm in a number of ways. For example, they are able to avoid frostbite by having very little fluid in their feet and quickly circulating blood. Their blood vessels are spaced close together so that blood flowing to the feet warms the blood that is flowing back into the body. Another way they stay warm is by standing on one foot, with the other tucked up under their downy feathers. Some lower their whole bodies down to cover their feet. You might also find them with their feathers fluffed out, which helps trap the warmth from their bodies.

A year-round resident in New England, this pileated woodpecker is pulling a tasty grub from the tree.

     Waterways are important in winter adaptation and survival. Geese, swans, mergansers, and other ducks gather in pockets of unfrozen water to look for food. If you are lucky you may come across some of the more interesting varieties like hooded mergansers, buffleheads, ring-necked ducks, or goldeneyes.

Bufflehead ducks from Canada winter in New England and other parts of the United States.

    Rivers and ponds are not just important for waterfowl. Bald Eagles hunt along the waterways, even when they are frozen over with ice. They look for ducks and for fish along the edges of the ice, where it’s thinnest. They will also feed on carrion. Osprey prefer fish and will head off to warmer regions for better access to food.

     Beavers, river otters, and mink remain active in rivers and ponds throughout the winter, as well. Otters and mink hunt beneath the frozen surface of the water. Beavers’ lodges become encapsulated in snow and ice which helps to keep predators out, and they rely on stored food and fat reserves in their tails to survive the coldest months.
 

This bald eagle captured its dinner by “ice fishing,” pulling its prey out of a small hole the ice.

     As animals scope the landscape for food and water, both predator and prey activity along the water’s edge increases. Mice shelter in rocky areas along the riverbanks. Foxes, coyotes, and bobcats can now traverse the frozen waterways and have access to a wider hunting range. Frozen waterways allow small animals and foragers like moose and deer to gain wider access to food, as well.

This bobcat was sunning itself on the river early one morning. From a distance, I watched it walk across the ice. Realizing it wouldn’t make it across to the other bank, it turned back and quickly surveyed my presence before disappearing into the woods.