Overview
- Vogelbescherming reports that thousands of birds are dying each night during the cold snap, with small species losing up to about 20% of their body weight by morning.
- The group advises residents to put out varied food and unfrozen water before sunrise, place feed on covered tables, and remove mesh nets that can entrap birds.
- People are urged not to feed ducks or use salty foods, and to spread sand rather than salt in gardens to avoid harming birds and plants.
- Staatsbosbeheer says most ecosystems can cope with the snow, remains alert to the needs of large grazers, and will provide extra hay if required.
- Observers note altered urban wildlife behavior, including a grey heron fishing in a city canal, while experts highlight that snow can insulate plants and small animals and that many species have winter adaptations.