Birds Adapt to Deep Snow in Maine

Turkeys, owls, and feeder birds change behavior during winter storms

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:47pm

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As Maine experiences heavy snowfall, birds like wild turkeys, owls, and backyard feeder birds are adapting their behavior to survive the winter conditions. Turkeys are carving paths through deep snow, owls are hunting in unusual places, and feeder birds are increasing their activity before and after storms.

Why it matters

Understanding how birds respond to extreme winter weather provides insights into their adaptations and the challenges they face during the coldest months. This information can help wildlife enthusiasts better appreciate the resilience of Maine's avian species and identify ways to support them through difficult conditions.

The details

Wild turkeys are creating impressive snow paths up to 14 inches deep as they search for food like acorns and seeds. Some have even been spotted foraging in crab apple trees, an unusual behavior for the large birds. Owls like the barred owl and boreal owl are hunting in unexpected places, punching through the snow to reach rodents or stalking chicken coops, as the deep snow makes it harder for them to access their typical prey in the subnivean layer. Backyard feeder birds are increasing their activity before and after storms, taking advantage of the easily accessible food as they sense the approaching low pressure systems.

  • On January 26th, a rare Bullock's oriole returned to a feeder in Blue Hill after a short absence.
  • In late January, a deep snow storm hit Maine, leading to the observed bird behaviors.

The players

Wild Turkeys

Large ground-dwelling birds that are adapting to the deep snow by creating extensive paths and foraging in unusual places like crab apple trees.

Barred Owls

Common owls in Maine that are vulnerable to being hit by cars as they hunt for rodents on the roadside.

Boreal Owls

Rare owls in Maine that have been spotted stalking chicken coops to hunt for rodents attracted to the chicken feed.

Bullock's Oriole

A western sister-species to the Baltimore oriole that has been visiting a feeder in Blue Hill, Maine during the winter.

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What they’re saying

“It is hard to keep track of one individual bird's behavior, but one that I found interesting recently was a bullock's oriole that has been visiting a feeder in Blue Hill.”

— Doug Hitchcox, Staff Naturalist

What’s next

As the winter progresses, wildlife enthusiasts should continue to observe and report any unusual bird behavior or sightings in their local areas.

The takeaway

Maine's birds demonstrate remarkable adaptability in the face of extreme winter weather, from carving paths through deep snow to hunting in unexpected places. Observing these behaviors can provide valuable insights into the resilience of our avian species and inspire efforts to support them during the coldest months.