Best Feeders for Backyard Winter Birds

As the cold weather approaches and snow and ice cover the ground, backyard birds look for supplemental food sources. Natural insect and seed resources become much more limited this time of year.

My feeder gang depends upon a steady supply of suet, black oil sunflower seed, nyjer (thistle), cracked corn, safflower and whole peanuts in the shell. To attract the most variety and quantity of birds in the wintertime, I recommend the following essentials for success:

• Suet
• Tube Style Feeders
• Gazebo or Hopper Style Feeder
• Ground/Hanging Tray Feeder
• Bird Bath with Heater
• Best Variety of Bird Foods to Have on Hand
• Optimum Location for Your Feeders

Suet provides a high fat energy source that is readily digested to maintain a high metabolism. That way the birds can stay warmer without using up a lot of excess energy foraging. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, etc. will enjoy visiting your suet basket. Suet baskets/holders can be hung from a pole or tree branch.

Purchase one tube feeder that is made specifically to dispense seeds like sunflower and safflower. The other tube feeder should accommodate tiny thistle/nyjer seed for the ‘little beaks’, like gold finches, house finches, chickadees, pine siskins, redpolls, etc.

I have always provided a hopper feeder for my bigger birds, and those with larger beaks. Almost all birds will use a hopper feeder, which can be filled with sunflower, safflower, or a mixture of seeds. Black oil sunflower seeds contain high energy protein that birds can use to stay healthy and active in all weather conditions. Hopper or Gazebo feeders are easy to fill and clean, and can hold a lot of seeds.

This type of feeder is best for providing seed and cracked corn to ground foraging birds like cardinals, juncos, doves and wild turkeys. Be very sure to locate the feeder far away from trees and shrubs where predators may be hiding. If you have outdoor cats, don’t use a ground feeder tray. Your birds will be too vulnerable to harm.

Tray feeders usually have a hanging hook feature, so you can still provide a flat surface from which birds can eat. There is a screen in the bottom of the tray so moisture can drain keeping seeds and peanuts dry.

Birds need water year-round just as people do. In the wintertime when water sources are frozen over, a heated bird bath can save many backyard birds from dehydration and death. Bird bath heaters are an inexpensive, low-voltage way to maintain water at just above freezing. Be sure to use an outdoor rated extension cord for safety.

• Black Oil Sunflower Seed
• Safflower Seed
• Nyjer/Thistle Seed
• Peanuts in the Shell (salted or unsalted, either one is fine)
• Cracked Corn
• Suet

Feeders should be hung or placed on a pole no lower than 5 feet off the ground. And they should be located from 5 to 8 feet from any overhanging tree or shrub branches. This will discourage hungry squirrels from raiding your feeders by jumping from trees. I also have squirrel baffles on all of my feeder poles. So far, so good!

If possible, locate your feeders so that you can enjoy the show from the warmth and comfort of your home. Studies have shown that watching birds feed is a proven way to drop stress levels naturally. Position your feeding area at least 30 feet from any window, or just 3 feet away, to prevent fatal window collisions. At 3 feet, even if a bird should hit your window, it won’t have attained enough speed to do itself permanent harm.

While you are out there decorating for Christmas, don’t forget to provide a great bird feeding space. You could make a definite difference in the survival of our beautiful and lively backyard birds. They will reward you with their de-stressing antics. I know I look forward to watching the birds every time I get a chance. Decompress with Nature!