Winter can be a tough time for birds. With insects becoming scarce, berries running out, and the cold freezing the ground, these little creatures face a challenging season. Providing them with seeds can help them survive the harsh temperatures, keeping their energy up so they can stay active and fend off predators. But before you toss a handful of seeds outside, it’s important to make sure you’re offering the right food in the right way—otherwise, your well-meaning gesture might actually cause harm.
Common Winter Bird Visitors
Many bird species seek out our gardens during winter, looking for food to help them get through the cold months. Some of the most common winter visitors to backyards include:
- Robins: Small and lively, these little birds love unsalted bread crumbs and small seeds.
- Great Tits: Easily recognizable by their black heads and white cheeks, they’re particularly fond of sunflower seeds.
- House Sparrows: Opportunistic feeders, they accept almost anything but prefer mixed seed blends.
Now that we know which birds might drop by, let’s talk about how to avoid some common feeding mistakes and make sure your offerings are beneficial to them.
Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Birds
1. Giving Low-Quality Seeds
Not all seeds are created equal. Some seeds, like salted peanuts or roasted seeds, might seem like a good treat but can be harmful to birds. Salted nuts and roasted seeds can cause digestive issues and even be toxic in some cases. Always opt for untreated seeds like:
- Sunflower seeds (a great source of healthy fats)
- Millet seeds
- Hemp seeds
These are nutritious and will keep the birds energized throughout the winter.
2. Neglecting Feeder Hygiene
A dirty bird feeder can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, potentially making the birds sick. Old food and bird droppings can attract harmful microbes.
Tip: Clean your feeders once a week with hot water and mild soap, ensuring they’re thoroughly rinsed before refilling.
3. Placing Food in the Wrong Spot
Where you place your bird feeders matters. A badly placed feeder can expose birds to danger from predators, like cats or hawks. Additionally, food left out in the rain can quickly spoil, leading to moldy seeds.
For the best results, position feeders in open spaces, ideally a little higher up but close to some shrubs or hedges, so birds have somewhere to hide if danger approaches.
4. Offering Inappropriate Foods
While it might be tempting to offer scraps from your own kitchen, some human foods are harmful to birds:
- Bread: Contrary to popular belief, bread can upset birds’ stomachs and cause nutritional deficiencies.
- Cooked food: Fatty, salty, or sugary leftovers should be avoided at all costs.
- Moldy seeds: These can contain toxins harmful to birds, so always check your seed stash for any that have gone bad.
5. Stopping Feeding Too Soon
It’s important to continue feeding birds until the end of winter, or even into early spring. The natural food sources they rely on aren’t fully replenished until April, so cutting off their supply too early can disorient the birds that are counting on you for food.
Best Practices for Effective Feeding
To support birds in the best way possible this winter, here are some tips:
1. Offer a Variety of Food
Providing a mix of seeds helps meet the dietary needs of different bird species. You can also add homemade fat balls for an extra energy boost during the cold months.
2. Set Up Multiple Feeders
Having several feeding spots helps reduce competition among birds and allows a wider range of species to benefit from your offerings. It’s also a good way to attract more birds to your garden!
3. Provide Fresh Water
Birds need water even in the winter. Place a shallow dish outside, and make sure to change the water regularly to prevent it from freezing.
Expert Opinion
According to ornithologist Sophie Durant, “Feeding birds in winter is a wonderful gesture, but it must be done carefully. A well-intentioned act can have the opposite effect if done incorrectly. The goal is to offer support without disrupting their natural behaviors.”
A Kind Gesture for a Lively Garden
By following these guidelines, feeding birds this winter can be a rewarding experience—for both you and the birds. Not only will you be helping these little creatures survive the cold, but you’ll also enjoy a more vibrant, lively garden filled with the cheerful songs and fluttering of birds.
And if you’re feeling extra inspired, consider adding birdhouses or planting hedges to create a welcoming environment for these feathered friends all year round. With a bit of care, your garden could become a true sanctuary for local wildlife.
