How to Feed Birds in Winter

Winter bird feeing is a great family hobby. Although many birds migrate south for the winter months, a great number of birds winter right at home as long as there is a ready supply of food and water. Keep bird feeders located close to windows for a spectacular view.

Instructions

1. Build or purchase several different types of hanging bird feeders.

2. Purchase a high protein bird seed mixture from your local garden center or grocery store. Birds need extra protein in the winter because they burn more calories trying to keep warm.

3. Add a suet feeder to your bird feeder collection. Suet provides an extra fat source for birds feeding in winter.

4. Set up a water supply near your hanging bird houses. Consider purchasing a bird bath heater to keep the water from freezing. If you don't have a bird bath heater, make sure you add fresh water to the bird bath each day.

5. Fill the bird feeders daily. Birds staying around for the winter depend on the food you supply to survive the cold and snowy months.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase or build an extra feeder just for squirrels. Squirrels love the same seeds as birds and will do whatever they can to get into your bird feeders. Heavy squirrels break bird feeders easily, so attaching plastic rims to keep them off is a good idea.

• Try hand-feeding chickadees and other birds in the winter for some extra fun. Chickadees are especially friendly and take to hand feeding easily.