by: Jen Wainwright
Winter is a difficult season for birds who stick around in northern climes. Their usual foods are in short supply at the same time they need extra stamina to keep themselves warm.
Feeding the birds throughout the chilly, winter weather has proven rewarding and enjoyable for our family. Our simple bird house/bird feeder has fed many a’ feathered friend, and brought our family many episodes of joy, peace and a sense of awe at being so close to nature. It’s also opened a line of communication about being kind to animals, and lending a hand if and where we can.
Looking to feed our feathered friends, too? Read on!
What Kind of Feeder Should We Get?
Ranging from flat, wooden platforms (or even a simple bowl filled with seed) to deluxe two-story, cottage-like birdhouses, feeders vary greatly. Personal preference will lead you to the style of your liking, though some type of “roof” is preferred to protect the seed. Don’t get overwhelmed with vast options (and occasional large price tags) – the birds don’t care how nice the feeder is. They only care that it has food!
• Do try to place the feeder in a location sheltered from the worst of the wind.
• Do keep in mind that possums, mice, raccoons and other night-foraging animals may take interest in your bird food, too. If you prefer to only feed feathered friends, consider putting out small quantities that birds will eat before nighttime, or bringing your feeder in at night.
What Should We Feed our Feathered Friends?
Options abound at food choices birds will gladly enjoy during the winter months!
• Suet, a rendered beef fat, is an excellent wintertime nutritional offering. You can purchase commercial suet cakes, or easily Make Your Own! Rather than tossing your bacon grease (or fat trimmed off pork chops, roast, or steak dinner…), simply freeze the leftover fat, and then serve it an old onion bag or bag that contained oranges.
• Seed: Black oil sunflower seed is a surefire favorite, attracting more than 30 species of birds (including cardinals, finches and chickadees). Nyger seeds with 40 percent oil content provide needed energy during cold weather. Tip: Premade seed is readily available. Consider buying in bulk, possibly even joining funds with a neighbor or two to cut costs. Finally, our family has found great rates at Tractor Supply Co. (though we are not birding experts!)
• Birds also enjoy day-old bread, stale crusts, and old pastries or doughnuts. Popped popcorn can also be offered, though in small quantities because it isn’t as popular as the other items.
• Fruit: Those apples that didn’t quite get eaten in time – cut them up, and the birds will love them!
Sweet “Tweet”
One last thing: My kids love this feed-the-birds-fun, each and every year. If you haven’t made these yet, or even if you have, they’re always a good time!
• Collect pinecones.
• Let your children coat the pinecones in peanut butter – the messier, the better!
• Roll the pinecones in bird seed.
• Hang, and enjoy. We put ours very close to our windows for the greatest viewing pleasure.
Jen is a freelance writer, parent to three, and she’s been a stepparent for over 15 years. She is well-equipped to discuss and write about the great, and the not-so-great, details of all-things-parenting. Along with spending quality time with her family, Jen enjoys music, chocolate, camping and relaxing. And laughing!