Taking Care of Backyard Birds in Winter

Being cooped up inside isn’t good for the spirit. So, when the weekend rolls around, why not get out there and do some good for the birds in your backyard? You don’t have to be out there for long. Just an hour a week (and maybe even less!) can do a world of wonders. Your feathered friends will thank you!

The two things birds need more than anything in the winter months is food and shelter. So, our dos and don’ts today will center around these two vital needs!

• Do take a good look around your backyard. Do you see any evergreen trees, shrubs or bushes? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck! Birds use evergreens to keep sheltered from the cold winter wind. They also help them to escape predators too! If you don’t see any, you might want to consider adding one in the spring.
• Do collect some fallen branches and twigs and create a little brush pile in a corner of your garden. Brush piles are great for keep birds safe.
• Do put out a roosting box (or two or even three!) to help your backyard birds shelter overnight.
• Don’t place sawdust at the bottom of the roosting box. When sawdust gets wet it stays wet for a long time – and that certainly wouldn’t keep anybody warm. Instead, place some dried grasses or even dry wood shavings at the bottom of the box. That’ll keep the birds extra cozy.

• Do get a suet feeder! Suet is an amazing food for birds like chickadees and woodpeckers because it’s high in fat. And that fat gives a massive boost of energy to these birds – enough that it’ll help to get them through even the coldest nights.
• Do scatter birdseed around your backyard. Some birds are shy and will avoid going to a birdfeeder. So go ahead and scatter birdseed around bushes, under your deck and other locations that give birds easy access to shelter. Prepare to see a ton of lovely sparrows and juncos! Of course, you’ll still want to keep your regular birdfeeder up too. Many birds are more than happy to become frequent visitors.
• Don’t stop feeding the birds! Next time you see the birdfeeder getting low, get out and fill it up! So many birds count on these feeders to survive! You’ll be their hero!
• Do keep it dry! After a snowstorm, head outdoors and make sure to clear any snow off of your birdfeeders. Platform feeders (kinda rectangular and boxy looking) can easily get snow build up which can ruin the seed!