Now that winter is here, it’s time to think about what to feed our feathered friends.
Feeding birds in winter is essential for keeping our feathered friends healthy during the coldest season. Different birds have different tastes and favorite foods, so feeding the birds you know already frequent your garden is a good start. It will encourage them to keep returning. American robins, for example, love to eat fruits, while blue jays love to eat peanuts, and northern cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds.
Feeder inspector Jay Blue has some tips for feeding birds in winter:
- High-fat options such as nuts, lard, and suet are good choices for winter as birds will benefit from the additional energy they provide.
- Seeds such as black oil sunflower, nyjer, and safflower seeds are also great options.
- Fruits such as apples, oranges, and berries are good options.
- Water is as vital as food. A clean source of water is essential to well-being. Offering a birdbath during winter helps wild birds easily find this valuable resource. If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, consider a heated birdbath since natural water forms are likely frozen.
