Feeding the Birds in your Woods throughout the winter

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Credit: Shutterstock

Birds still need food, water and shelter, even in the winter.  But they can be harder to come by in the winter.  So what can you do? 

• If you have bird feeders, consider switching to high calorie, high fat foods like oil sunflower, suet and peanut butter.  So avoid those birdseed mixes with lots of low-calorie seeds (those with wheat, milo, hulled oats, rice and rye seed).  
• Place your feeders out of the wind and near some safe spots that a bird can go to check out the feeder and escape to if they feel threatened, like near some evergreen trees.
• Put fresh water out for the birds and consider getting a heater for your bird bath if you live somewhere that freezes.

Learn more

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Bird Notes Winter Bird Feeding
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Where to put your Bird Feeder
• PennState Extension: Winter Bird Feeding The Basics
• Audubon: Five Best Bird Feeders for Winter
• National Wildlife Federation's Ten Simple Tips for Successful Winter Bird Feeding
• Wild Birds Unlimites: Winter Feeding Basics

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Credit:Shutterstock

Ready to get crafty? 

• Make your own birdseed ornaments to hang in your trees
• Or maybe a bird seed wreath of birdseed

Just remember to hang them away from windows to avoid collisons.