Backyard bird watching is a fun and interesting hobby for the entire family - and it can be enjoyed throughout all seasons! It's true that a lot of backyard birds have flown south for the winter, but don't forget that many other bird species stay through the long, cold months to stick it out with us. To help ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your efforts and provide for the birds to keep them coming back, here are some winter feeding tips
Keep feeders well stocked
Keeping feeders filled, especially at sunrise and sunset, are crucial to help birds survive cold winter nights.
Provide high-energy foods
Black-oil sunflower and suet are high-energy foods and great choices to make available in the winter.
Prevent ice and snow from accumulating on a bird feeder
It won't matter how much seed is in the feeder if the birds can't get to it. After a snowfall, sweep or shovel snow out from under your bird feeder so the birds can get at food that is on the ground.
Offer clean, ice-free water
Fresh, unfrozen water is crucial for birds and other wildlife during the cold of winter. When other sources of water are iced over, birds will flock to an open birdbath. To keep the water from freezing quickly, some folks fill their birdbath several times a day with hot water. But the simplest and most carefree method to supply ice-free water is to invest in an electric birdbath heater available where wild bird feeding supplies are sold. Some birdbaths are made with built-in heating elements for use in the winter. Whatever methods you choose though, do not use antifreeze in a birdbath - it is poisonous!
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