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Feeding bird in winter


Top 10 Foods for Winter Bird Feeding

By Alisa Opar

February 07, 2010

   

By Alisa Opar

February 07, 2010

Popular Stories


Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Torindkflt

With weather forecasters calling for more extreme winter weather across much of the country this week, now is the time to administer a little TLC to your bird feeder. Remember to keep the feeder clean and clear of snow, give any seed feeders a shake before refilling them to dislodge compacted seed and dump out any old remnants, and, of course, fill ‘er up. Feeders can help birds through harsh winter conditions, like the ones building right now.

Looking for the best foods for winter bird feeding? Bill Thompson, III, over at Bird Watcher’s Digest offers his top 10 picks:

10. Black-oil sunflower seed. Thompson calls this seed the “hamburger” of the bird world: nearly every bird that stops by your feeder will eat it because its thin shell is easy to crack.

9. Peanuts. “Woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice will readily visit a feeder for this high-protein, high-energy food. Even cardinals and finches will eat peanuts,” Thompson writes. Be sure they’re de-shelled, dry-roasted, and unsalted.

8. Suet. You’ll likely be able to find this high-fat food at your supermarket (ask the butcher if you don’t spot it on display). Make your own suet feeder with a mesh onion bag, Thompson suggests.

7. Good mixed seed. There is such a thing as bad mixed seed, Thompson points out. “Bad mixed seed has lots of filler in it—junk seeds that most birds won't eat. Bad mixed seed can include dyed seed meant for pet birds, wheat, and some forms of red milo that only birds in the Desert Southwest seem to eat.” Good mixed seed, he says, “has a large amount of sunflower seed, cracked corn, white proso millet, and perhaps some peanut hearts.” Check for seed at specialty bird stores or a hardware store, or make your own mix.

6. Nyjer/thistle seed. “Although it can be expensive, Nyjer, or thistle, seed is eagerly consumed by all the small finches—goldfinches, house, purple, and Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and redpolls,” says Thompson. “You need to feed thistle in a thistle feeder of some kind--the two most commonly used types of thistle feeder are a tube feeder with small thistle-seed-sized holes, and a thistle sock. A thistle sock is a sock-shaped, fine-mesh, synthetic bag that is filled with thistle seed. Small finches can cling to this bag and pull seeds out through the bag's mesh. ”

5. Safflower. You can fill any sunflower seed feeder with safflower, which many birds eat. Thompson advises avoiding putting the seed on the ground in wet weather as it “can quickly become soggy and inedible.” Look for it in bulk at seed and feed stores.

4. Cracked corn. “Sparrows, blackbirds, jays, doves, quail, and squirrels are just a few of the creatures you can expect at your feeders if you feed cracked corn,” Thomson says. But watch out—it’s also a favorite of squirrels.

3. Mealworms. The thought of mealworms might give you the willies, but most feeder birds will gobble them up—except goldfinches, according to Thompson. He suggests keeping 1,000 mealworms in a tub of old-fashioned rolled oats, then doling them out in a shallow ceramic dish, which the worms can’t crawl out of because of the slippery sides.

2. Fruit. Grapes or sliced citrus, apple, or banana are a special treat that will draw many birds. “If you want to feed raisins, chop them up and soak them in warm water first to soften them up a bit,” suggests Thompson.

1. Homemade bird treats. For Thompson’s suggestions, click here.

Do you have a favorite recipe for homemade bird treats? 

Feeding birds in winter – the dos and don'ts

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(Image credit: Getty images)

Feeding birds in winter is vital to their wellbeing throughout the colder months, as food is scarce and energy is precious.

Start by noting which birds already visit your garden. Different birds have different tastes and favorite foods, so feeding the birds you know already frequent your garden is a good start, plus it will encourage them to keep returning. 

American robins, for example, love to eat fruits while blue jays love to eat peanuts and northern cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds. Once you're feeding your regular guests, you can then branch out with other types of feed and attract even more species of bird into your garden.

During periods of bad weather, birds will come to rely on your feeders as an essential source of food. Easy to find and nutritious seed and fats will help your feathered friends to conserve their energy – using it to keep warm rather than hunting down scarce berries and insects.

Below, we offer tips and tricks for feeding birds in winter as well as what to feed them and what to avoid – you can include them in your winter garden ideas to create a welcoming space.

Feeding birds in winter

(Image credit: Getty images)

Feeding birds in winter is fairly easy to do but makes a huge difference to the well-being of wild birds. Food is scarce in winter and the food that you put out in your garden could be the difference between surviving winter and starvation. You can, of course, put food out for birds, but better still, work plants that feed birds naturally, when planning a winter garden.

‘Birds become used to your feeders, especially in bad weather when the food you provide may be life-saving. If you are gone for a long time, ask a neighbor or friend to keep the feeders running,’ says Ethan Howell, co-owner of Florida Environmental .

(Image credit: Getty images)

Water is as important as food. Like any other living thing, a clean source of water is essential to wellbeing.  ‘Offering a birdbath during the winter season helps wild birds easily find this valuable resource. This in turn helps them reserve energy for other activities such as keeping warm. If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, consider a heated birdbath since its likely natural water forms are also frozen,’ advises Tammy Poppie founder at On The Feeder .

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The best things to feed backyard birds in winter

When feeding birds in winter there are lots of options for good foodstuffs. 'Obviously it helps for the food to be as calorific as possible and seeds, nuts and fat are best of all,' writes Monty Don on his blog .

We've rounded up some of the best things to put on your bird table, hang in a tree or scatter on the ground when feeding birds in winter. 

‘Place bird feeders in areas where predators like cats and foxes can't hide. Place the feeders 10-12 feet away from shrubs or brush piles,’ says Ethan Howell, co-owner of Florida Environmental .

(Image credit: Getty images)

Are eggshells good for birds?

Yes, eggshells are good for birds. Eggshells are high in calcium, a mineral in which many birds are deficient. Calcium is particularly important for female birds who need the calcium to create the shells for their eggs. However, it can be difficult to find enough in nature.

That's where our eggshells come in. Simply rinse your egg shells and then bake them in the oven at 450ºF for 10 minutes. Once they are cool, crush them up and add them to your bird table. Alternatively you can scatter them on the grass or over your borders – this might even have the added benefit of deterring slugs who don't like the gritty feeling – it's a win-win. 

(Image credit: Getty/Elva Etienne)

What should you not feed birds in winter?

There are several things you should never put on your bird feeder, whether you are feeding birds in winter or at any other time of year. 

(Image credit: Getty images)

What plants can you grow to help with feeding birds in winter?

You can also add plants for birds to your garden to help with feeding birds in winter. Pick plants that have seeds and berries throughout the winter period and that are native to your state or region as these are the ones that birds will recognize as safe to eat.

These winter plants will not only be good food for your feathered-friends but will also add some color and life to your garden throughout the winter months:

As well as providing delicious seeds and berries for your feathered friends, the plants will also provide them with valuable shelter during the winter.

(Image credit: Getty images)

Is it good to feed birds in the winter?

Yes it is good to feed birds in winter. Birds' natural food sources, like insects, seeds and berries, will become more scarce in winter. At the same time, birds require much more food during this period in order to have enough energy and fat to keep themselves warm. 

By feeding birds in winter you are providing them with a constant source of food so they don't have to waste energy seeking out insects under layers of snow. This will help your feathered friends to survive the winter, and as such do wonders for the bird population.

Another benefit of feeding birds in winter is that you will encourage more wildlife into your garden. Come spring and summer when you're gardening, these feathered friends will also snack on slugs, snails and other garden pests – helping to keep your garden healthier. 

(Image credit: Getty images)

How to attract birds to my garden?

The easiest way to attract birds is feeding them.  Birds are attracted to sources of food and if it is always available to them they will soon be frequenting your feeders.

However, it may take some time for your feathered friends to spot a new feeder. Be patient and ensure there is always food available for them. 

To increase the number of birds to your garden, consider also adding one of these bird bath ideas. ‘Your birds might be attracted more to the water at first, so having the birdbath out and then placing your foods on a ground feeder or scattered near the birdbath may be the best way to attract them to the foods you’re offering,’ advises R. Brune in the Duncraft blog .

To further increase the amount of birds in your garden, you can install some of these bird house ideas which will provide birds with a warm and safe space to nest.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to make your own bird feeders to feed birds in winter

Making your own bird feeders is a great way of feeding birds in winter. It's also a brilliant activity to get the kids involved and teach them about the importance of feeding birds in winter.

These coconut shell feeders are made from suet and seed. High in fat and protein, they are great for feeding birds in winter. Drill a hole in the shell of a coconut and tie string to make a loop. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird seed. You can also add cheese, meal worms and dried fruit. Pack this into the coconut shell and leave to set for an hour or two. Once set, hang in your garden and wait for the birds. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While you should never feed birds actual cookies, you can make your own bird cookies. To make your own, mix 7g unflavored gelatin with 1/4 cup of water. Then mix this with the bird seed. Push this into cookie cutters and add string to ribbon. Then leave to set, then push out of the moulds and hang in a tree.

(Image credit: Future)

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

FEED THE BIRDS IN WINTER

Friends!

Colds are coming, and we traditionally begin to feed the birds, laying out food in feeders and hanging lard on trees. THE BOTANICAL GARDEN-INSTITUTE ACCEPTS BIRD FEED AND PROTEIN. We have a lot of feeders in the Arboretum, and in winter we regularly monitor their fullness. Well-fed birds survive the cold more easily and are more likely to survive until spring.

Feed the birds in winter!
Let from all over
They will flock to you like home,
Stakes on the porch.
Their food is poor.
A handful of grain is needed,
One handful - and they will not be afraid of winter.
How many of them die - do not count,
It's hard to see.
But in our heart there is
And the birds are warm.
Is it possible to forget:
Could fly away,
And they stayed for the winter
Along with people.
Train the birds in the cold
To your window,
So that without songs it was not necessary
We welcome spring!
Alexander Yashin
What can you feed the birds in winter

In winter, each type of bird eats a certain type of food. The species composition of visiting birds will also depend on what you pour into the feeder. The following are the main foods that can be used in winter top dressing:

1. GRAINS - MILLET, OATS, WHEAT

The favorite food of some birds are the seeds of various plants, especially cereals. Sprinkling millet or oats into the feeder will attract sparrows, goldfinches and other grain-eating birds. Birds in winter can be fed with wheat bran, hard oatmeal, poppy seeds, pearl barley. Some birds eat corn and watermelon seeds, which must be crushed beforehand. If you are interested in breeding useful birds in your garden, then in the fall prepare weed seeds - nettles, quinoa, burdock, thistles, and pour them into the feeder in winter. But keep in mind that this will be only an insignificant addition to the main feed. it is more correct to plant mountain ash, viburnum, hawthorn, buckthorn, bird cherry and other berry trees and shrubs on your feeding area.

2. SUNFLOWER SEEDS

The most versatile food for wintering birds. It can be eaten by both granivorous birds and tits, nuthatches, woodpeckers. The large amount of vegetable fats inside sunflower seeds makes them an important source of energy in cold winter conditions. If there is monotonous food in the feeder, sunflower tits will look for additional protein animal food.

3. SALO, MEAT

These products can also be used for winter bird feeding. They are very fond of tits, nuthatches and some other species of birds. But it is worth remembering that only unsalted lard or meat can be offered to birds. As a rule, pieces of bacon are strung on twine, which is hung on tree branches. Top dressing from fat or meat should be placed in such a way that it does not go to crows, magpies, jackdaws, as well as cats and dogs.

You can put a small piece of butter in the feeder. On especially frosty days, this product will help the birds survive.

4. DRIED ROWAN AND HAWTHORN, ROSE HIP, VELLOW

Berries of mountain ash and hawthorn attract the most beautiful winter birds - bullfinches and waxwings, mountain ash.

Dried berries and fruits. Make a bunch of dried fruits and berries. Using a needle, put pieces of dried apples, pears, plums, apricots on a strong thread, form a lump and hang near the feeder. You can offer the birds the pulp of a pumpkin. Cut through "windows and doors" in it, so that the birds can get inside. They themselves will choose what to try - seeds or pulp. Tie a small pumpkin by the tail with a strong rope and hang it from a thick branch.

Apples that start to spoil should also not be thrown away. Cut the apple in half, put it in a feeder or hang it on a wire.

5. MAPLE AND ASH SEEDS

The seeds of these trees are also called lionfish. Most of them fall from the trees and become inaccessible to birds. Lionfish are harvested in autumn and hung on feeders. Bullfinches, waxwings and some other visitors to bird canteens like to eat them.

6. FOREST NUTS, CONES, ACORNS

Cones are the main food of crossbills and woodpeckers in winter.

Jays have been stocking acorns since autumn, hiding them in secluded places. In winter, hidden food is a good help. Having prepared cones, nuts and acorns since autumn, you can attract not only woodpeckers and jays, but also squirrels to your feeder.

7. CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

During the nesting period (not necessarily in winter), garden guests still need to be fed foods that contain calcium. You can put pre-boiled, ground eggshells or pieces of chalk to the feeder.

WHAT NOT TO FEED BIRDS

  1. It is strictly forbidden to feed birds with fried, salty (salted fat or meat), sour foods.

  2. You can not give fresh white and especially rye bread, these products cause fermentation in the goiter of the bird.

  3. It is also impossible to feed birds with citrus fruits, banana peels, peanuts, spicy foods, pieces of pies and whites, chips, potatoes.

Publication date: 11/15/2022

How to properly feed birds in winter: 5 tips benefit. So how do you feed the birds the right way?

One of my favorite books as a child was Vitaly Bianchi's Forest Newspaper. Every January I remember a quote from January - "the month of severe hunger" - numbers:

“He who is full, the cold is not terrible for him. For animals and birds, it's all about satiety. A good dinner warms from the inside, the blood is hot, warmth spreads through all the veins. Fat under the skin is the best lining for a warm woolen or downy coat. It will pass through the wool, it will pass through the feather, and no frost will break through the fat under the skin. If there was plenty of food, winter would not be terrible. And where to get it in winter - food?

Probably, there are many of us who loved Bianchi in childhood - at least in January calls to feed the birds begin to appear actively in social networks. “Share bread with the birds, help them survive the frost,” write people I know and don’t know. And here I begin to regret that after Bianchi, no one really engaged in the popularization of the study of nature in our country - because bread will do more harm to birds than good. But how does the average person know this?

Birdwatching is one of the most popular hobbies in the UK and the USA. In bookstores you can find an endless number of bird guides, photo albums about birds and all kinds of reference books. And hardware stores (and even ordinary supermarkets) sell dozens of varieties of feeders and food for wild birds. In our country, birdwatchers are rare eccentrics, you have to make feeders with your own hands, feed the birds with bread and millet, and there is practically no popular literature about birds. So I decided to compile a small compilation of bird feeding tips from various sources (National Geographic Birdwatcher’s Bible, The Ultimate Bird Feeder Handbook and RSPB’s Birdfeeder Guide)

Photo from the site https://4lapy.ru/

1. Why can't you feed birds with bread? It is very difficult for birds to digest, plus bread has too much protein and fat, it fills the stomach but does not provide enough energy.

2. What else can you not feed the birds? Nothing salty. It is not necessary to feed spoiled (rancid, etc.) cereals to the birds. No need to treat the birds with cookies, buns, potato chips.

3. What to feed? Sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted), crushed peanuts, raw unsalted lard, oats, millet. wheat. I managed to find one domestic brand of wild bird food, it can be bought in the online store at the Zoological Museum and Obi stores.

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