How to create a bird feeding frenzy in your backyard

As we peer out the windows this time of year, we are grateful for the birds that visit the seed heads of the ornamental grasses and flowering perennials that we let stand over the winter.

For the birds in your yard, now is the perfect time to attract song sparrows, chickadees and overwintering Blue Jays and Cardinals with a “songbird seed mix.” Or just use straight black oil sunflower seeds. To prevent the mess associated with sunflowers, use the hulled variety – more expensive but all “meat” and no waste or mess to clean up. You will find yourself not filling the feeder so often as well.

Location important

Winter feeding birds need the carbohydrates and fats contained in suet. Extra calories are a must for birds whose fast metabolisms are working hard to keep their little bodies warm. We always hang several during the winter. That way, if we don’t replace one of them after it is finished, the birds always have another to feed on.

The location of your feeders is just as important as the food that goes into them: Out of the harsh winter winds and, ideally, close to shelter. This can be anything from a tall evergreen to a short deciduous bush. Birds will use this as protection from predators but also to determine whether the food you are offering is safe. If you watch the birds, you’ll notice they don’t fly straight to the feeder, they will perch some distance away and observe the area first.

Choose feeders with large weather protection covers. This will keep your seed from collecting snow and ice and keep the birds a little warmer while eating. Larger feeders are better than small ones in the winter. You will be out there less often refilling it, which can be a challenge if it snows up to your knees overnight.

If you don’t have a problem with squirrels in the spring and summer months, we would suggest putting out an open feeder closer to the ground. Use a mix of black sunflower and nyjer seed to appeal to a larger variety of birds. Mourning doves, juncos and even pheasants are more suited to eating from the ground. When seed is spilled at our place the mourning doves are the first to arrive.

Because squirrels don’t hibernate, they are still likely to find your winter feeders, just as they may have done with your summer feeders. Squirrel-proof feeders are easy to find and many of them work well. If your squirrels seem to outsmart every feeder on the market, consider feeding the squirrels directly. “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Provide them with in-shell peanuts a distance away from your bird feeders, keep it stocked, and your bird feeders will be more likely to feed the birds than the squirrels.

Go fresh with fruit. Many overwintering birds appreciate fresh apple, orange and banana slices. Similarly, you may want to survey your plot this winter and see if you have room for a fruit tree or two. The berries and apples that don’t fall to the ground are the first to be gobbled up as the cold temperatures set in. Plus, they can use the tree for shelter and nesting when spring rolls around.

Dependency myth

Consider putting out bird houses in the spring (building them yourself can be a fun winter project) to let the birds know they always have a winter home at your place. Birds, especially those in the city, can have a tough time finding shelter from the snow and ice that comes with winter. A permanent, fixed dwelling is a welcome sight. Come spring the same nesting boxes may be used for raising a new family of young birds.

Once the snow has melted, you may be left with a pile of shells and uneaten seed below the feeder. You can pick it up and throw it in your composter or spread it around with a rake. They will eventually break down but if left in a pile can harbour moisture, diseases and mould.

As for the myth that feeding the birds creates a dependency on your feeding station that is not healthy for them, this is simply not true. If they are disappointed by the selection of seed in your yard, they go hunting for available seed in the wild. In most cases, they have the option to go next door or down the street to the home of another generous gardener come bird feeder.

Finally, get yourself a bird identification book (the Sibley Guide to Birds is our favourite) and a pair of binoculars if your feeder is too far from any of the house windows. Winter birding is easier than spring or summer birding – fewer leaves for hiding in and we can guarantee that once you know what you’re looking at, you’ll have a greater appreciation when feeding them.

Feed the birds this winter: Learn a little something about nature and support healthy backyard biodiversity.