Winter Bird Feeding Tips to Enhance Bird Watching This Season
Learn how to attract various birds this winter with feeding tips and smart setups.
Portland: Winter can be quiet, with bare trees and hibernating animals. However, many birds that eat seeds and insects stay around during this time, making winter a great season for bird watching. Smart bird feeders can help attract more birds to your yard.
If you got a smart bird feeder for Christmas, you might want to attract more birds quickly. I spoke to some bird experts who shared advice on making your yard more appealing to our feathered friends during chilly months.
Mix Your Menu
During winter, some birds migrate away, but many remain. In areas like the West Coast, you may see chickadees and sparrows. Experts suggest offering a variety of food types to attract different species. Noah Perlut, a bird expert, says, “To attract the greatest species diversity to your feeders, offer various types of seeds in various styles of feeders.”
One great food type is suet, which is made from animal fat. It comes in cakes or balls. I like using cakes that are spiced with hot pepper because squirrels avoid them. This brings in woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
Using dual feed bays in your feeders also helps if space is tight. Maria Kincaid, another bird expert, suggests combining regular seeds with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms. Some smart feeders even have holders for suet balls.
“Many songbirds have different food needs in winter,” Kincaid explains. “High-fat and high-protein foods are crucial because it takes energy to stay warm.”
Sharing Shelter
Having trees, bushes, or even brush piles keeps birds feeling safe all year long. This is especially important from December to March. Less foliage can make birds feel exposed.
“Winter is often the busiest time of the year at bird feeders,” Perlut shares. Birds spend this time caring for themselves rather than focusing on nesting.