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8:00
with host Roger Taylor answering all of your
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Call in at 382-4280 or 800-742-6590
 
Watch for the return of "Over the Garden Fence" in March, 2010!
Over the Garden Fence 9:07
with host Andy Wedel answering all of your
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Call in at 382-4280 or 800-742-6590
 

Wedel's News

                                   January 6, 2010
Cold Weather Alert

From the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids:

A SYSTEM MOVING THROUGH THE GREAT LAKES REGION MAY BRING 4 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 96. LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL CONTINUE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. TEMPERATURSE OVERNIGHT LOWS WILL BE IN SINGLE DIGITS AND DAYTIME HIGHS IN THE MID TEENS.

 
This is the coldest weather we have experienced so far this winter. Under normal circumstances birds only get approximately 10% of their diet from feeders. That number may bump up to 20% in winter due to snow hiding food sources. An exception to this is during periods of extreme cold and high winds. Birds are just as impacted by wind chill as we humans. The cold snowy weather this weekend is an example of when feeders and baths are most beneficial to wildlife. During extreme weather the percentage of a bird's diet derived from feeders is likely to be significantly higher than normal. Make sure your feeders are full and your bath is clean and filled with fresh water. Birds are going to have a tough weekend.

  Note from the Editor
 
Occasionally we publish an Extra Edition of Wedel's News. If there is something we learn of that you should know or we think you would appreciate hearing about, you will receive a special copy of the newsletter.
 
The year is young but already we are planning for the 2010 gardening season. Flower and vegetable seeds are on the way and will be on display here, at the garden center, soon. Our seminar schedule is getting longer and everyone is looking forward to spring. But, we have some winter to deal with first and, because of the severly cold temperatures in the forecast, Roger Taylor said we should get some information out to you. We hope this information helps you help your feathered friends survive the difficult conditions ahead.
 
'Til next time...
Jim 

 
 
 
 "It is deep January.  The sky is hard.  The stalks are firmly rooted in ice."
-  Wallace Stevens,  No Possum, No Sop, No Taters