Winter Bird Feeding: How to Succeed

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From a young age, children learn that birds fly south for the winter. However, some birds stay behind and need adequate winter bird feeding to survive the harsh season. During this time, birds heavily rely on humans and bird feeders. People must understand how to satisfy winter birds, so they can withstand the winter and have a fruitful spring, summer and fall.

Winter Bird Feeding Matters

Winter birds experience many challenges during the cold months. For one, they do not have their usual natural foods, such as insects and berries. They especially need food because they use more energy to stay warm. Beyond seeking shelter, birds warm themselves in winter by fluffing their feathers or shivering. Birds need a reliable food source too, so they know where to fly back to every day. People should remain consistent in their bird feeding.

How to Set Up a Winter Bird Feeding Station

A winter bird feeding station is similar to a spring, summer or fall one, but there are some adjustments to accommodate the cold, harsh conditions. The following are some considerations for people preparing to feed winter birds.

Pick the Ideal Feeder

People must choose a feeder that suits the local birds in their area. They can identify those species by consulting a list of regional birds or simply observing their size and shape. Tube feeders are ideal for smaller birds, while ground feeders are typically for larger birds like doves. When using a ground feeder, ensure it is on a platform or deck to prevent unwanted pests. Hopper feeders rely on the birds’ weight and feed a variety of birds. Suet feeders provide suet for woodpeckers and similar birds.

Choose the Best Location

Some thought should go into where to place the bird feeder. Birds desire protection from predators, so putting the feeder near a tree is a good idea. Local cats are predators too, so keep the feeder high enough off the ground to deter them. Bird watchers enjoy observing birds from their windows, so hanging a feeder near one is another option. Birds are easily disturbed, so it is essential to place the feeder away from busy areas.

Include a Reliable Water Source

What people often do not consider is birds’ need for water in winter. With most water sources frozen or dried up, birds are particularly parched. Birdbaths with small heaters or sunlight-absorbent objects can run during the winter. Makeshift birdbaths, like a flipped garbage can lid, also suffice. The water source should be near the feeding area, so birds notice it right away.

Ideal Bird Foods in the Winter

Choosing the ideal bird food also depends on local birds’ preferred diets. Below are some general ideas, but people should research their local birds before putting random food selections in feeders.

What to Offer Birds From the Store

When planning a trip to the grocery store, several key ingredients for winter bird feed will keep birds satisfied. Black oil sunflower seeds are the ideal food overall because most birds eat them. Birds gain fat to stay warm, so feeding them suet will help. If there are many finches, thistle seeds are a good food source. Peanuts and cracked corn are other useful store-bought products.

What to Feed Birds From the Kitchen

The average kitchen usually has some foods that can satisfy winter bird feeding. Fruits like sliced apples and berries are viable choices. Birds also like vegetables such as corn and peas. An interesting grain that birds enjoy is pasta. For protein-rich meals, small amounts of cheese or crushed eggshells are edible. Nuts and seeds from the kitchen will suffice, as long as they are chopped and unsalted.

What Birds Cannot Eat

There are also several foods people should never feed birds. A few are baked goods, heavily salted or sugared foods, animal fats, dairy, chocolate and caffeine. Avocados are another dangerous food for birds. When deciding what to feed birds from the kitchen, avoid these items and stick to their natural diet.

How to Maintain a Bird Feeder

Bird feeders require regular maintenance to remain beneficial to birds. In the winter, people do not need to check them as often, but they should still clean and survey their bird feeders. The following are some key ways to do that.

Regularly Clean the Bird Feeder

Bird feeder owners should regularly clean out bird feeders to prevent disease. Old bird feed can accumulate mold over time. If ingested, birds can become sick and potentially not survive the winter. They can also spread it to other birds. People should use simple soap and water to handwash the bird feeder. Restock and set it back up for continued use. Ensure it is dry before putting it back outside, as winter weather can freeze damp areas.

Take Measures to Deter Pests

Pests are drawn to bird feeders in winter because they are often the only source of fresh food. People can put mesh on feeders or purchase pest-proof feeders to deter squirrels. Hanging a bird feeder up high can prevent many issues. House cats are good climbers, so conditioning them to avoid bird feeders is crucial. 

Pest risks change by season. Bears are drawn to bird feeders in the spring as they come out of hibernation. If a bear is feeding on a bird feeder, people should take it down as soon as possible, since the bear will keep coming back. Bears should also be far from roads anyway, so removing the bird feeder can protect them from harm as well.

Store Bird Food Properly

Just as bird food can become contaminated in the feeder itself, so can it outside in storage bags. People who feed birds should store bird food in a secure, dry location and regularly examine it for mold before depositing it in a feeder. Also, ensure the food has no insects crawling in it.

Positive Impact on Local Bird Populations

When local communities provide food and water for birds during winter, they help the local bird population thrive. They can feed birds successfully by regularly cleaning bird feeders and providing the necessary food and water. Watching and caring for birds can be an enjoyable pastime, especially in the dreary winter months.