How to make a winter bird feeding station
Winter can be a difficult season for birds, with limited food sources and harsh conditions. A well-designed winter bird feeding station provides essential nutrition, safety, and comfort for your feathered friends while adding life to your winter landscape. Follow these steps to create a thriving bird sanctuary:
Choose the right location for the season
Location is critical for a successful feeding station. Choose a spot that allows you to enjoy watching the birds from inside while also offering the birds a safe environment. Pick a location that’s easy to access during snowy or icy weather, so you can refill and maintain the station effortlessly.
You may choose to have both a spring/summer and a fall/winter setup. In spring and summer, feeders can be placed farther out in the yard or landscape beds since walking longer distances to refill them is more manageable in warm weather. Additionally, with more time spent outdoors, feeders located further away from the house won’t obstruct the view from a back patio or garden seating area. However, in winter, it’s practical to move feeders closer to the house to avoid trudging through snow for refills. Placing feeders near the house, particularly on the western side, also provides better shelter from cold winds and winter storms while allowing for convenient viewing from inside. This seasonal strategy makes feeding and birdwatching more enjoyable year-round.
Position feeders near natural cover, such as shrubs or evergreen trees, so birds can observe their feeding area and quickly retreat if needed. Ensure feeders are placed about 10–12 feet from obstacles like trees to deter pests and predators. To prevent window collisions, hang feeders either closer than 3 feet or farther than 15 feet from windows.
Add a variety of bird feeders
Diverse bird feeders attract a wider range of species and increase traffic to your yard. In addition to traditional seed feeders, you can incorporate suet feeders, which provide high-energy food perfect for winter.
Using multiple feeders of varying styles and heights can create an inviting space for birds. For example:
- Platform feeders: Great for feeding lots of birds at once and for non-conventional feed types like fruits and whole peanuts.
- Tube feeders: Ideal for smaller birds, especially finches.
- Mesh feeders: Can accommodate large and small clinging birds.
- Hopper feeders: A high-capacity option that protects food from the elements.
- Suet feeders: A low-maintenance, no-mess solution that delivers high-energy nutrition.
- Window feeders (honorable mention): Although they may not be part of the feeding station, window feeders are a great option for winter that provide a unique up-close birding experience!
Install sturdy hanging systems with baffles
Winter conditions require durable hanging systems. Use poles or shepherd’s hooks to hang feeders securely and add weatherproof baffles above feeders to shield seeds from snow and rain. Baffles also help deter squirrels and other pests, keeping your feeders safe and clean.
Remember to regularly brush off any snow accumulation from your baffle and feeder to maintain a safe and inviting space for birds! Snow on the lower rails of a hopper feeder can block birds from accessing the seed, while snow on a hanging or overhead baffle adds weight, potentially straining the hanging system and causing it to fail. Once the temperatures start to warm, snowmelt from the feeder roof can drip into the feeder or tray, wetting the seed, which may lead to rot or re-freezing into a "seed-sicle" that birds struggle to eat. Finally, piled snow can obstruct your view of the feeder, making it difficult for you to enjoy birdwatching at your feeding station.
Provide a fresh water source
While food is essential, water is equally critical during winter. Birds need clean water for drinking and bathing, which can be difficult to find in freezing temperatures. Include a heated bird bath or use a fountain to keep water moving and prevent freezing. If using a traditional bird bath, change the water regularly to ensure it stays fresh and ice-free.
To protect glass and ceramic birdbaths in winter, they should either have a heater installed or be taken indoors. Unexpected winter storms or forgetting to empty the bath on a freezing night can cause the water to freeze, potentially cracking the bath.
Keep your feeding station clean
Winter feeding stations can become busy hubs as migrating birds join local flocks. This increased activity makes cleanliness even more important to prevent the spread of diseases:
- Wash feeders regularly with warm water and dish soap to remove bacteria and debris.
- Clean up spilled seed and droppings beneath feeders to discourage pests and maintain hygiene. Find ways to reduce mess underneath the feeder for less frequent cleanings.
- Refresh water sources frequently to prevent contamination.
Bonus tip: Incorporate native winter plants
Here’s a tip to keep in mind for next spring: Enhance your feeding station by planting native shrubs, evergreens, and berry-producing plants nearby. These provide additional food, shelter, and protection from the elements. Popular winter plants include holly, winterberry, and sumac. Avoid pesticides to keep the environment safe for birds and beneficial insects.
Final thoughts: Enjoy the birds!
A winter bird feeding station is a win-win: it supports birds during a tough season while providing you with the joy of birdwatching. Keep your binoculars and camera handy to capture the beauty of winter birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and juncos.
With thoughtful preparation and regular maintenance, your winter bird feeding station will become a bustling haven for birds and a delightful centerpiece of your winter yard.
RELATED ARTICLES
