Do birds know there's going to be an early frost? If it's more than a month earlier than usual, does that mess 'em up? Either because they're not equipped for cold, or because it ruins food sources prematurely? Or both?

Early frost would probably mess them up. Most birds are able to tolerate a small amount of cold by puffing up their feathers to stay warm. The food source would be more of a concern for them because the birds require adequate food to maintain energy and body heat. The early frost would most likely trigger the migratory instinct sooner. We have already had frosts here and tomorrow the high is only slated to be 3 degrees Celsius. The winter birds have already come closer to the homes and there are only a few stragglers of the summer bird variety.

I'm concerned about the birds around here. Trees aren't even changing color yet (the few that do) and it's supposed to be 33 tonight, 34 tomorrow, freakishly early. Average low for here in mid-Oct. is 59.

When we used to live in Winnipeg, the geese starts their air convoy as they head south for their winter migration. So as September rolls in, they start their long journey, taking turns, resting and flying as fast as their wings can go. They know....old man winter is just around the corner. The other birds are busy building their trenches so to speak, near heating vents of homes, or wherever they can seek safe shelter.