Easy Ways to Make Winter Birds Happy All Year

Not every feeder works for backyard birds, so using a mix of styles can attract more visitors. Different types appeal to different species – some prefer a tube feeder, while others like to land on a perch to eat. Ground-feeding birds do best with a raised platform. If you can only choose one, experts suggest a tube feeder, which draws in chickadees, finches, and nuthatches.

Dirty feeders can put wild birds at risk for diseases like avian pox and salmonellosis. Wash your feeder with hot soapy water every 1-2 weeks to stop the spread of illness. For hummingbird feeders, clean once a week, but skip the dish soap, which can leave behind residue. Instead, use a mix of hot water and vinegar, with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. After washing, rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before refilling to prevent mold or bacteria.

Water can be scarce for birds as their usual sources freeze over in the cold. They can use their body heat to melt snow and ice, but that drains a ton of vital calories. Besides drinking, they also need water to preen their feathers. Consider getting a heated birdbath and changing the water regularly. You can also place the bath in a sunny spot to prevent quick freezing, and add some sticks so they can perch safely while drinking.

Birds are still at risk from predators in winter, so giving them protected spots is key to keeping them happy and safe. Positioning feeders near a tree or bush lets them dart to cover if threatened, but don’t put them so close that a cat could hide and attack. Aim for at least 10 feet away from any hiding spots so they can access food while still keeping an eye out for danger.

It’s tempting to put the feeder right by the window so you can watch all the action. But that’s a no-go, since feeders too close to glass can lead to crashes and injuries. Either place your feeder 3-4 feet from the window or give it 30 feet of clearance. That small change will help the birds navigate safely from the feeder without colliding with the glass.

Along with cleaning the feeder itself, you’ve gotta keep the area around it tidy too. All that bird activity means fallen seeds and shells that can rot and grow mold or bacteria if left to pile up. This can make birds sick and attract unwanted pests like rodents that compete for the food. Be sure to regularly clear out any debris under your feeders.

If your yard becomes a popular spot, you might end up with some overcrowding and tension, especially with aggressive birds around. Experts suggest making multiple “feeding stations” with different feeder types spread throughout the yard. Birds have diverse feeding preferences, with some liking open spaces and others sticking close to cover. Having multiple spots reduces crowding, supports various needs, and attracts a wider variety of species.

Planting native trees and shrubs is a great way to support birds in winter. Bushes with berries like bayberry and winterberry holly provide high-energy food that reduces the need for birds to travel far. Fruit-bearing trees like crabapple, dogwood, and Eastern red cedar also offer both food and shelter when birds need to rest.

An easy way to support birds in winter is to just leave the leaves alone. That leaf litter is great for your soil as it decomposes, and it also shelters the insects and invertebrates that birds rely on for protein. So don’t stress about raking up those fallen leaves – it’s actually helping your feathered friends!

Your standard summer seed mixes may not cut it for winter. Avoid anything with red milo, which most backyard birds won’t touch. Look for options with black-oil sunflower, safflower, and nyjer instead – they’re high in fat and calories that birds need to stay warm. Suet is also a super popular winter choice. Use a special suet feeder to give them a spot to cling to while they chow down.