By Paul Oliver, Founder – Urban Nature Store
There’s a moment every year — usually when I see my breath for the first time — when I know it’s time to shift gears from summer bird baths to winter feeders.
The birds are tough, but a little help goes a long way when the temperatures drop. Here’s my tried-and-true Winter Bird Feeding Readiness Checklist, tested through many snowy mornings, frozen suet cakes, and persistent squirrels.
1. Clean Your Feeders (Really Clean Them)
Start the season fresh! Warm, soapy water or a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) keeps your feeders free from mold and bacteria. Let them dry completely before refilling.
2. Stock Up on High-Energy Foods
When it’s cold, birds need calories — lots of them. My go-tos:
- Sunflower hearts seed (a universal favorite and no mess and no waste)
- Suet cakes for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees
- Peanuts (preferably in the shell for bluejays) for jays and squirrels — yes, I feed both
- Nyjer seed for finches and redpolls
3. Keep Feeders Full (and Snow-Free)
After a snowfall, I do my “morning feeder patrol” with a broom and a mug of coffee. Clearing snow and topping up seed is part of my daily rhythm — and the birds quickly learn the schedule.
4. Don’t Forget Water
A heated birdbath can be a lifesaver. Birds need to drink and keep their feathers clean, even in freezing weather. If you’ve never watched a chickadee take a splash in January — it’s worth the investment.
5. Offer Shelter
Evergreens, brush piles, or a simple roosting box can make a world of difference. Shelter helps birds conserve energy and avoid predators.
6. Enjoy the Show
Winter bird feeding isn’t just about helping the birds — it’s about lifting your spirits, too. There’s something comforting about that flash of red from a cardinal or the cheerful “dee-dee-dee” of a chickadee on a grey morning. So, put on a warm jacket, grab a coffee, and take a few minutes to watch. It’s amazing how much life there is, even in the quiet of winter.
Until next time, stay warm and keep those feeders full.
– Paul
“Even on the coldest mornings, a busy bird feeder is proof that nature never really stops — it just changes feathers.”
