winter birds
Can you believe old man winter is already on the horizon? I know you don’t want to think about it, but the truth is winter will be here before you know it. With winter comes a variety of wildlife scampering into your yard, looking for eats and treats to keep them satisfied during the winter months. There are all sorts of winter birds you can look forward to seeing, that is if you put the right food and provisions out for them. Winter birds are quite colorful and whimsical to watch, so why not be sure you have plenty of snacks on hand for them? Take a peek below at some helpful tips for attracting winter birds. It is a lot easier than you may think!
Tips for Attracting Winter Birds1. Opt for food high in fat.
Birds are not watching their waistlines in the winter months. In fact, they want foods high in fat to fuel them and keep them warm. You can opt for basic suet blocks as a feeding option, or find ways to incorporate peanut butter into their food. Roll a pine cone in peanut butter and dip it in seeds and hang, or just place peanut butter balls rolled in seed at your feeders. In your actual feeders opt for sunflower seeds as they are full of oils that are beneficial to the birds. Leave these sorts of edibles out for your feathered friends and they are sure to flock.
2. Offer some refreshing water.
Birds love to drink water during the winter months just as they do during the summer. But just imagine in freezing temperatures how hard it must be for them to find it! Give them a hand and keep fresh water out for them in a bird bath or other easily accessible vessel. If your area does get freezing temperatures, you can place various heating elements in the feeder. These heating elements can be found at your local pet store or garden supply store. Water is life for any creature, so when you offer it they are sure to come.
3. Offer some rent free housing.
Birds love a warm place to lay their heads just like we do. In the winter, than can be hard to find. Why not offer some free housing to your feather friends? Place bird houses in your trees or offer something as simple as a cardboard box with holes cut into it. For a more permanent solution, plant thick evergreen trees for birds to nest in all winter long. When you give them a place protected from the elements, they are sure to return year after year.
Once these three elements are in place, just do all you can to keep the yard safe for the birds. Avoid letting your animals out too much or allowing cats to roam. Keep trees trimmed and bird feeders and baths cleaned. When you offer safety, birds will not only want to visit but bring their families with them as well.
When you give these three basic tips a try, you are sure to get some special visitors this winter! You will be able to curl up with a cup of coffee and watch the birds for hours. Sounds pretty relaxing doesn’t it? Surely that is something you can appreciate, and the birds will appreciate it too.