iN PHOTOS: Overwintering birds feast on berries in Kamloops, Okanagan

There are numerous species of birds that overwinter in Kamloops and the Okanagan and they rely on certain food sources to stay healthy and fed until spring.

During the winter months many birds rely on berries during the winter, especially when insects are scarce. 

“Berries can be a lifeline for overwintering birds, providing both energy and hydration when snow covers other food sources,” said Kurtis Huston with Wild Birds Unlimited in Kamloops. 

“The best winter berries for birds are typically high in fats and sugars, which helps fuel their metabolism in cold weather.” 

Huston said mountain ash berries are loaded with carbohydrates and are a winter staple for robins and waxwings, while juniper berries are packed with natural oils that provide energy for species like waxwings, bluebirds and towhees. 

A spotted towhee eats a rosehip in Penticton. iNFOnews.ca/ Jodi Forster

A late season food source, hawthorn berries are high in antioxidants and energy-rich sugars, and rose hips will supplement when fresh food is scarce. 

“While berries are an important food source, they’re not always enough for survival, especially for species that typically rely on protein-rich foods like insects,” he said. 

“Birds will supplement their diet with suet, seeds or even scavenged protein sources if needed.”

READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Hungry predators on the hunt in Okanagan, Kamloops

A pileated woodpecker in Kamloops feasts on mountain ash berries. iNFOnews.ca/ Doug Giles

Some residents plant fruit bearing shrubs in their backyards or hang bird feeders to help the birds get through the coldest months. 

“Backyard bird feeding can play a huge role in supporting birds through winter, offering high-energy foods like suet, sunflower and mealworms,” Huston said. “If you’re seeing robins and towhees eating berries, that’s a great sign they’re finding natural food sources, but they’ll still appreciate well-stocked feeders nearby.”

Area photographers captured colourful photos of birds feasting on brightly coloured fruit this winter.

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A cedar waxwing snacks on berries in Penticton. iNFOnews.ca/ Shirley Sobkow

A female pine grosbeak eats snowberries in Kamloops. iNFOnews.ca/ Doug Giles

A female pine grosbeak in the Kamloops area has its beak full of berries. iNFOnews.ca/ Doug Giles