As seasons change, birds' backyard needs change as well, and savvy backyard birders will prepare their yards to be safe, comfortable and healthy for winter birds.
When Is Winter
When it is necessary to prepare a backyard for winter birds varies by climate and geography. Backyard birders in northern areas may need to begin preparing for cold weather in August or September, while southern backyard birders may be able to delay major preparations for several more weeks. In general, however, as temperatures dip and summer plants die, it is time to get the backyard ready to meet birds' winter needs. Weather can change suddenly and a prepared birder will ensure that their backyard birds are ready for a harsh season, whenever it begins.
Winter Preparations for Backyard Birds
The best winter backyards will meet all of a bird's basic survival needs: food, water and shelter. Backyard birders can meet these needs in several ways as autumn changes into winter.
Bird Feeders
Providing food for the birds is the best way to attract them to your backyard, but birds have different feeding requirements in the winter than they do in the summer.
To prepare your feeders for winter birds…
- Clean and repair all bird feeders, checking for broken perches, clogged feeding ports and other problems.
- Clean the ground beneath feeders and consider adding protective coverings or platforms to catch spilled seed that won't be able to be cleaned up until spring.
- Move feeders closer to a patio or door so they will be easier to refill even in the harshest weather.
- Add covers to feeders to keep seed dry and prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the feeders.
- Change the foods offered to preferred winter bird foods that offer high energy nutrition for backyard birds.
Bird Baths
Attracting birds with water is easy and rewarding, but if that water freezes in the winter it will be of no use to backyard birds.
To prepare your bird baths for winter…
- Clean and sterilize all baths, including rims and pedestals, and check each one for leaks or damage.
- Add a heater to sturdy bird baths or swap out summer baths for winter heated models.
- Position the bird bath in a sheltered, safe area where it will still be visible to backyard birds.
- Add small stones to keep the water shallow and prevent birds from bathing when the water is too cold.
- Protect electrical cords and outlets with proper wraps or covers so they are secure for a long, wet winter.
Bird Houses
Birds need warm, snug shelter to survive winter storms and low temperatures, and it is easy to provide that shelter in the backyard either with bird houses or specialized winter options.
To prepare bird houses for winter…
- Clean each bird house after the nesting season ends and repair any damage.
- If the bird house is a convertible design, change the front panel to put the entrance near the bottom so it will work as a roost box.
- Put up bird roost boxes or snug baskets small birds can use to keep sheltered at night.
- Position winter bird houses and roost boxes safely to keep chilly birds safe from predators, drafts and other dangers.
Landscaping
Birds may not need nesting materials in the winter, but carefully prepared bird-friendly landscaping can help augment the other steps backyard birders take to prepare their yards for winter birds.
To prepare your landscaping to be winter bird-friendly…
- Add dead limbs or tree prunings to a brush pile for winter shelter.
- Leave excess fruits and berries on trees and shrubs for foraging birds to find in the winter.
- In mild climates, plant appropriate flowers, shrubs and other plants that will attract insects or provide nectar and fruits for birds to eat.
- Avoid raking leaves and instead leave leaf litter in place to attract birds with its shelter and food.
Winter is a deadly season for backyard birds, but it can be a delightful one for birders. It is easy to prepare a bird-friendly backyard for the coldest weather, and with the right steps to keep feeders filled, water fresh and shelter snug, a winter backyard can be perfect for a wide range of bird species.
Photo – Winter Suet Feeder © gptraveler
