We asked the experts for their tips and tricks for supporting wild birds during the colder months.
Watching wild birds in your yard is a delightful activity any time of year.
Use these tips to attract and feed wild birds in your yard all season long.
Credit: Laura Mullen / 500px / Getty Images
Also, keep cats indoors so they don’t jump on unsuspecting feeding birds.
Make a brush pile in an out-of-the-way spot in the yard with trimmed branches where birds can find shelter.
Roosting boxes and birdhouses also provide safe places for birds to escape the elements.
Be sure to clean them out in the fall and again in spring.
Many plants can add beauty to your garden while also serving as a welcoming habitat for wild birds.
Black oil sunflower seeds and thistle seeds appeal to awide variety of birds.
Suet is a superfood for birds in winter, particularly birds that feed on insects during the warmer months.
If you are a DIY kind of person, try making your own suet cakes.
Wrap finished cakes in parchment paper and freeze until you’re ready to use them.
(This is an easy project to do with kids!)
Melt 1 1/2 cups shortening and 3/4 cup nut butter and mix with the dry ingredients.
Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray and let freeze.
Keep Feeders Protected and Filled
Locate your feeders in a spot that’s shielded from strong winds.
Downwind of tall evergreen trees or in the shelter of a porch is often ideal.
Keep feeders covered, if possible, to protect the food from rain and snow.
Be consistent and keep those feeders stocked, especially when the weather is severe.
Offer Water Sources
Birds can’t live on food alone; they also need water.
“Consider adding abird bathor water dish near your food resource.
Keep this water thawed and fresh.”
Ceramic birdbaths may crack in cold weather, so plastic or metal baths are safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many foods that are yummy to humans are harmful to birds.
Foods with high amounts of salt, artificial sweeteners, and dairy products should be avoided.
To lower the risk of disease transmission, double-check to move your bird feeder regularly.
