Help Our Feathered Friends This Winter

Tufted Titmouse
Photograph by Jeff Depew

As winter settles over our region, it brings more than just cold temperatures and frosty mornings. For our wild birds, the season is a time of scarce resources and increased survival challenges. While the beauty of cardinals, chickadees, and finches against the snowy landscape can bring joy to many, it’s also a reminder of their struggle to find food, protein, and fat essential for their survival.

Here are some simple ways you can help support our feathered friends this winter:

Provide a Reliable Food Source

Set up bird feeders stocked with high-energy foods. Black-oil sunflower seeds, suet cakes, and peanuts are excellent choices as they provide the protein and fat birds need to stay warm. For ground-feeding species, consider scattering cracked corn or millet in areas sheltered from the wind.

Offer Fresh Water

Finding unfrozen water in winter is just as critical as food. Place a heated bird bath in your yard or check regularly to ensure water isn’t frozen. Birds need water not only for drinking but also for keeping their feathers in good condition for insulation.

Create Shelter

Provide shelter by leaving brush piles, installing roosting boxes, or letting evergreen trees grow thick. These spaces offer birds protection from the elements and predators. Avoid trimming trees and shrubs during this season to preserve their natural cover.

Keep Feeders Clean

To prevent the spread of disease, clean bird feeders regularly with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before refilling. This small step ensures a safe feeding environment.

By taking these simple actions, you’re not only helping wild birds survive the winter but also enriching your own experience of the season. There’s something special about watching a flurry of activity at your feeder as birds gather to refuel.

Let’s work together to ensure our feathered friends make it through the winter healthy and strong. Small acts of kindness in our own backyards can make a world of difference!