Birds have evolved to find food in the wild, yet heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can quickly deprive them. Feeding birds a variety of foods will ensure they survive and flourish.
Black-oil sunflower seeds are a favorite winter treat of many birds, particularly cardinals and grosbeaks. Safflower seeds also make for excellent meals for these two species of bird.
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Feeders
Giving birds easy-to-access foods during winter can save energy that would otherwise be spent searching for scarce berries or insects, helping them conserve energy that would otherwise be spent hunting them down and using it instead for warmth when temperatures reach extreme levels.
There are various kinds of feeders to consider, such as tubes, platforms, hoppers and suet cages. Black-oil sunflower seed is often the top choice among most species that visit feeders; squirrels may find this highly sought-after treat irresistible; however nyjer seeds or cardinal mixes containing sunflower, safflower and peanuts may help discourage their appetites.
Birds need fresh water throughout winter. If natural sources become frozen, using a bird bath warmer can keep it flowing smoothly for birds to rehydrate and avoid dehydration.
Seeds
Seeds are an integral component of winter bird feeding. Many species rely on seeds as energy sources during the long cold months and will readily come flocking to feeders stocked with different kinds of seeds. When selecting your seed mix, look for ones without fillers like hulled oats and milo, as these could become targets of bird predation; black-oil sunflower seeds, striped or black sunflower hearts and thistle tend to be favorites among these groups.
Nuts, lard and suet are excellent ways to provide winter birds with the high-fat content they require to survive the cold weather. Place them in a suet feeder or hang processed suet cakes from trees – these foods are beloved among chickadees, woodpeckers, titmice and jays alike and can often be found at bird supply stores or meat sections of supermarkets.
Nuts
Nuts provide birds with an energy boost from fat. Additionally, they may serve as a source of protein as well. Many nuts have high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (walnuts and pine nuts) while chestnuts contain lower concentrations of all three types.
Birds require extra fat during winter as their natural food sources (fruits and insects) become scarcer. By providing seeds and nuts in feeders or scattering them around on the ground, we can help them stay alive.
Backyard bird feeding can be an engaging family activity while helping wild birds. By providing them with food throughout winter, you will help them survive this harsh season and be better equipped for breeding and raising chicks when temperatures warm back up again.
Fruits
Fruit is an integral component of birds’ diets, yet in winter their supplies become limited. Fleshy fruits such as apples and pears contain many seeds which provide valuable nutrition. Meanwhile, plants like hollies, viburnums, hawthorn, yew and wax myrtles that persist into winter provide natural sources of berries and seed heads that birds feed off of. Avoid tidying flower beds too soon, as this could rob soil of insects that birds use as sustenance.
Popular winter feeder options for birds include black-oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, hulled ear corn and shelled peanuts as well as cardinal mixes consisting of safflower and various grains – chickadee-titmice-and wren-specific mixes are also available – along with suet cakes made of rendered beef fat, seed and grains as an energy boost option.
Birdbaths
Water is just as essential to birds during winter as food: for drinking and bathing purposes. Unfortunately, finding sources can become more challenging in an increasingly frozen landscape.
Home and garden stores carry concrete, stone or metal birdbaths that you can purchase or make yourself. Ms. Eierman suggests adding small rocks for smaller birds to perch on and adding a dripper or bubbler (you can purchase one or create your own using plastic bottle and stick).
Keep the water clean and fresh by regularly scooping out algae or bird droppings that accumulate, as well as using non-toxic cleaners when possible to scrub away bacteria from your bath. It can even make for an entertaining winter activity for kids! Be sure to break any ice on the birdbath each morning too, to ensure its optimal condition!
