Q Is it true that pheasants aren't native to Minnesota and don't survive our winters well? How about herons and egrets? How do they get their food through frozen lakes?
Fixit: Pheasants tested by extreme cold, snow
By KAREN YOUSO, Star Tribune
December 7, 2009 at 10:13PM
A Although widely associated with Minnesota, the pheasant is an exotic species native to China. It was introduced to this state in 1905.
The blue herons and egrets we see standing knee-deep in Minnesota ponds and lakes don't have to worry about being iced in. They migrate, spending their winters where many of us would if we could: on the southern coasts of North America, and in Mexico and South America.
For birds like pheasants that do not migrate to warm climates, life in Minnesota can be brutal.
During mild winters when deep snow does not persist for more than a few weeks, more of these birds survive. During severe winters, up to 90 percent of pheasants can die, as they did in the winter of 2000-01. Persistent, deep snow buries most food and cover.
The ruffed grouse, on the other hand, will thrive during winters that are deadly to pheasants. With deep snow, ruffed grouse find shelter from the weather in snow burrows. In addition, ruffed grouse feed on tree buds, which remain available regardless of snow depth.
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Donating goods Q Is there a charity in the Twin Cities that takes used items (clothes, toys, household items, furniture) and gives them directly to families in need?
A Call 211. It's United Way's First Call for Help, a referral and information line. It maintains a clearinghouse of organizations that accept donated items and can direct you to those that guarantee not to do resale.
One example is Bridging Inc. in Bloomington (952-888-1105). The organization accepts furniture, some TVs, household goods, bath towels and linens, games and toys. It does not accept clothing, records or carpet. Call for details.
Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears every day except on Friday.
