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Should you feed birds in the winter


Feeding birds in winter – the dos and don'ts

(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 four years ago, 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. 

12 Top Tips for Feeding Birds in Winter

Cold weather and lots of snow can be very tough on birds. But you can help your feathered friends by following these winter bird feeding tips.

As you likely already know, the winter months can be very difficult for our birds. The cold weather requires them to eat much more to stay warm and the snow makes it more difficult for them to actually find the food they need. By following these winter bird feeding tips, you’ll be helping your backyard birds survive and thrive this winter.

1. Offer Suet and Other High Energy Foods

Courtesy Tammy Lohr BrownNorthern flicker on a suet feeder

When feeding birds in winter, some foods are better than others. It’s very important for the birds to be able to quickly refuel in the morning after a cold night. With this in mind, offer foods like peanut pieces and sunflower chips. These foods are high in the fats the birds need and are very easy for a bird to quickly eat with little effort.

Offer suet to birds all winter long. This is probably the best way for birds to get a quick energy boost and build fat reserves for long, cold nights. Serve store-bought suet cakes or make your own suet.

“I’ve fed suet blocks to birds for many years. But a less expensive way to satisfy their suet appetite is to simply spread lard on the bark of trees. They love it, and it’s a fun way to watch them,” says Bruce Schaffner of Cochrane, Wisconsin.

Check out 7 types of finch birds to look for in winter.

2. Birds Love Fruit in Winter

Courtesy Sherry Conger Male Baltimore oriole eating oranges during a spring snow storm.

“I offer apples, grapes, cherries and oranges—whatever is on sale at the grocery store. Cut round fruits, like apples and oranges, into 1/2-inch disks to make it easier for birds to eat,” says Ron Adler of St. Peters, Missouri.

Check out 7 backyard birds that eat berries.

3. Feed Birds in Winter Even if You Can’t Get to Feeders

©Rob RipmaSparrows, like this American tree sparrow, will love feeding on the ground.

Just because the snow and ice is keeping you from getting to the feeders doesn’t mean you have to stop feeding birds in winter. Consider just tossing some seed out on your deck, patio, or in your yard. The birds don’t mind and some species like cardinals and juncos will be very appreciate of being able to feed on the ground.

“I fill an old birdbath with seed. It attracts a lot of ground-feeding birds that typically stay away from feeders. Plus it keeps the sparrows from hogging your feeder,” says Liza Peniston of Augusta, Kansas.

Do robins migrate and fly south in winter?

4.

Provide Fresh Water

As important as food is to birds in winter, water is even more important. Once natural water sources freeze, it becomes very difficult for birds to find water. By putting a heater in your current bird bath or buying a heated bird bath, you can help birds find water more easily. A bird bath is great addition to your backyard no matter what time of year it is!

Your birds will love these whimsical winter bird feeders.

5. Feed Birds Items From Your Kitchen

Courtesy Penny RiceCardinals, sparrows, juncos, pine warblers, and house finches on a homemade log feeder

Offer cooked pasta and rice for jays, woodpeckers and titmice. Peanut butter attracts chickadees and woodpeckers. And put out some raisins for a few surprise cold-weather visitors,” says Ellie Martin Cliffe of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Check out 10 foods you aren’t feeding birds yet.

6. Make a DIY Birdseed Wreath

Make grapevine wreaths and then decorate them with suet balls, popcorn, cranberry garland and dried fruit for winter bird feeding. They’re a hit with birds and squirrels,” say Jay and Paula Johnson of Duluth, Minnesota.

Learn the truth about winter birds myths.

7. Fill Feeders Daily

Courtesy Susan WilsonRed-headed woodpeckers

Make sure you fill your backyard bird feeders daily if you can, preferably in late afternoon, to give the birds a boost before they roost for the night. A few days of empty feeders and birds will quickly disappear for better foraging areas. (They have to go where the food is, after all!)

“Hang feeders in a place you can easily access. It’s so easy to refill them often when you don’t have to walk through snow or ice,” says Joann Sklarsky of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Discover 20 birds to look for in the snowy season.

8. Spread Feeders Around

To get the most winter bird traffic in your backyard, place your feeders at varying heights and locations, including in or near trees and shrubs, where birds won’t be as vulnerable to predators.

Learn how to create winter shelter for birds.

9. Offer More Than One Type of Food

Provide a variety of foods to attract more species. To save money, buy birdseed in bulk.

“For winter bird feeding, I buy a 50-pound bag of chicken scratch feed and a 25-pound bag of black oil sunflower seed from the local co-op. I mix them together in a large container with a tight lid. It creates a quality mix for less than $25!” says Tom Baldwin of Hatfield, Arkansas.

Check out the best suet feeders for winter birds.

10. Clean Off Snow and Ice

Brush snow and ice off feeders during and after storms to keep the food accessible to hungry birds.

Where do birds go during a storm?

11. Don’t Cut Back Flowers

Feed birds from your garden in winter. Attracting birds in winter is easy to do by leaving the spent flowers of summer and fall-flowering perennials alone after the flowers fade, allowing them to form seed. “Leave seed-bearing flowers in the garden instead of cutting them back in fall,” says Judy Roberts of Graytown, Ohio. As a bonus, these plants also add texture to an otherwise barren landscape.

12. Some Hummingbirds Stick Around in Winter

Courtesy LYNNETTE MAMMINOAnna’s hummingbird

“Hummingbirds visit us year-round, so when the temps are below freezing I hang a cluster of Christmas tree lights under my feeders. It provides enough heat to keep the sugar-water from freezing,” says Sharon Mayhew of Vancouver, Washington.

How do hummingbirds survive snow and cold weather?

Popular Videos

Why feed the birds in winter and how to do it correctly

In winter, many animals and birds have a hard time: they need to get food and escape from the cold. And if, for example, bears go into hibernation and calmly survive the winter, squirrels store nuts and mushrooms for themselves, then the same elk and deer need help. Foresters leave them hay and salt.

You, too, can help our little brothers survive the cold. How? The easiest thing is to hang a bird feeder.

Source: infourok.ru

Why feed birds

With the onset of cold weather, food becomes difficult for birds: midges disappear, there are no insects, you can’t pick worms in the frozen ground. At first, the birds are interrupted by the fruits, berries, and weeds remaining on the trees. But their supply is not endless. In addition, a fast metabolism and constant movement take a lot of energy. If the bird does not get food during the short winter day, it is threatened with death.

With just one feeder, you can save more than a hundred birds. This will keep costs to a minimum.

How to make a feeder

You can use the simplest materials at hand, which are in every home.

Bottle feeder

We take a plastic drinking water bottle with a volume of 5 liters. We cut holes in it on both sides. To do this, step back from the bottom 3-4 cm and draw circles with a diameter of about 15 cm on both sides with a marker. Carefully cut them out with scissors or a clerical knife. And best of all, ask for help from dad and then the feeder will definitely come out well. Then the resulting holes must be pasted over in a circle with masking tape or electrical tape so that the bird can comfortably sit on the edge. We tie a strong thread to the neck of the bottle (do not unscrew the cork). All. It remains only to hang on a tree near the house.

Source: gaidi.ru

From a cardboard box

A small box of juice, kefir will do. We act on the same principle as with the bottle. We cut holes on both sides and fasten them to a tree with a rope.

Source: nashgazon.com

From a can

After the holidays, you will probably have cans of canned peas, corn or pineapples. Don't throw them away.

Wash well and ask your dad for help. You need to carefully cut the jar, then drill two holes on top at a distance of about 5 cm. Pass a thick, strong thread through them and tie the ends from above - this is the fastening of the future feeder. Then you need to paste over the edge of the can with electrical tape so that the birds do not injure their paws on a sharp cut. Ready. We hang the jar on a tree.

Source: vtemu.by

From wood

Here you will definitely need the help of parents. For this feeder you will need plywood and wooden blocks. We attach bars to the bottom in the form of a rectangle or square along the edges to make a side with a height of 3 cm or more. Then we install 4 columns at the corners, and on them - a roof in the form of a square larger than the bottom. Can be fixed with nails, screws, glue. From above, do not forget the thread.

Source: Umsad.ru

Important Otherwise, it will have to be regularly removed from excrement.

When to feed

Birds will arrive mainly in the morning and evening. Therefore, it will be good if you throw a handful of food on the way to school and a handful when you return. Then the birds will know for sure that they are always waiting for a treat.

Don't be discouraged if the treat remains untouched in the first days. Feathered creatures are cautious and they need time to get used to and get comfortable. Curious sparrows will fly first, then modest tits. And a little more and you can even see a jay and a woodpecker.

Then your task is not to upset your wards and feed them regularly without days off and holidays.

What can birds do

If you think that a piece of long loaf and dry millet is the most wonderful food, you are mistaken. It is not advisable for birds to eat bread so that fermentation does not begin in the stomach.

Source: kobrincity.by

For example, sparrows frequent feeders will be happy with raw sunflower seeds and wheat grains, as well as unroasted crushed nuts. By the way, this is a universal filling of the feeder and every bird will like it. You can also buy bird food in specialized stores, which will contain both grains and seeds of plants, and useful additives.

Tits and nuthatches love raw, unsalted fat. Its pieces can be hung on a thread directly on the twigs.

Important

Stray cats also like to treat themselves to bacon, so you need to hang it on thin branches and high enough. So the cat will not be able to crawl from above and will not reach from below. In general, feed the cats too: it is also not easy for them in winter.

Bullfinches, waxwings, siskins and blackbirds are not averse to tasting apples, dried fruits, mountain ash. Therefore, throw in the feeders and this delicacy.

How to support waterfowl

There are a lot of birds that stay over the winter in water bodies. For example, these are mallard ducks, mute swans. They also find it difficult. But feeding them with a loaf is not the best solution. It is best to offer them whole grains of oatmeal, barley, poultry feed. Germinated grains of wheat will also please them.

Source: chirik.info

And finally

If you follow our advice and feed the birds, then in spring they will surely please you with a cheerful trill under the window. They will sing that they survived and are very grateful to you.

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FEED THE BIRDS IN WINTER

Friends!

The cold is 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 stayed to winter
Along with people.
Train 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.

Learn more