For the Birds: Wintertime Bird Feeding - Helpful Tips

Heated, covered hummingbird feeder
Photo by Chris Southwick

By Christine Southwick

Wind chill, wet weather, snow, and freezing temperatures are deadly to many birds, specially first-year birds.

You can help feed birds in winter with some easy additions:

Hang weather guards above all feeders including the suet, and your hummingbird feeders. This creates a protected environment for the feeding birds.

Keep water available, which means keeping it liquid during freezing weather.

Finding much-needed drinkable water during freezing temperatures becomes a high-energy cost. 

Note: since all local birds, except owls, feed during the day, a 2 inch-deep dish can be kept liquid during the day, with frequent refills. (Wild Birds Unlimited has several models of bird bath warmers. LFP Town Center, next to Albertson's)

Keep leaves in your yard.

Blow them off your grass, paths and walkways, but keep leaves in beds and under trees to improve the soil and provide food and shelter for ground birds.

Fox sparrow in heated bath
Photo by Chris Southwick

Plant native shrubs and trees for wind, rain and cold shelter from the elements. Native plants provide bugs that birds know and need—non-native plants do not. Plus, native plants will survive in our area with minimal attention and little added water.

Now, watch local birds seeking out your yard, and feel good about helping your local wildlife. It really is a win win for everyone.