The inhabitants of the natural territories of the capital are gradually beginning to prepare for the cold weather. About the approach of autumn, they are prompted by a reduction in daylight hours and a decrease in air temperature, experts of Mospriroda note.
Although it is still green and warm enough in the parks, the first birds have already begun to fly to warmer climes. Some birds fly very far, so they set off at the end of summer. First, swifts, warblers and crickets go on a journey. Black swifts, for example, winter in the southern part of Africa — they have to overcome more than nine thousand kilometers.
These birds are insectivorous-with the cooling of the food for them becomes less and less, so they leave Moscow before everyone else. A little later, grain-eating birds such as buntings will fly away. Winter is ahead, and you can’t get grains from under the snow. Many birds gather in flocks before departure: together, it is easier for them to find food and easier to defend themselves from predators. This is what starlings do when they wander in flocks towards the south.
Waterfowl are usually in the least hurry-they need to teach their offspring to fly and swim well before a long journey. During the flight, they will stick to reservoirs and rest on them.
Animals that do not hibernate are now actively stocking up on food for the cold season. Among them, for example, mouse-like rodents and squirrels. And those who will sleep all winter, eat hard, save subcutaneous fat and look for homes. This is what hedgehogs, hazel dormice and badgers do.
Specialists of Mospriroda ask residents of Moscow not to feed the animals at this time. It is best just not to distract them and give them the opportunity to get food themselves. Early feeding of birds can delay them on the way to warm countries — the flight will become difficult and dangerous. And animals can lose the skill of finding food. Experts advise feeding birds only at low air temperature and constant snow cover.
