With winter here and snow covering the ground, finding food can be difficult for some North American birds. In order to stay warm birds this time of year fluff up their feathers creating more air spaces between their feathers and their body which improves insulation. Birds also need to sustain a high metabolic rate to maintain their body temperature. The need to find energy rich food sources high in fat and oil is a bird’s top priority at this time of year. Here are some ways that you can attract more birds to your feeder this winter.
Diversify your feeders:
In order to attract a diverse array of birds it’s important to provide feeders that cater to their feeding habits. Try placing some seed on the ground to attract birds such as sparrows, juncos, doves, upland birds, thrashers and towhees. Add a platform or hopper feeder to attract cardinals, chickadees, wrens, titmice, jays and grosbeaks. Keep in mind that hanging feeders can blow around in the wind so that can deter some bird species from using a feeder. Hanging feeders are effective for chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and finches.
Location:
The location of your feeder impacts how many birds will choose to visit it. In order to increase the attractiveness of your feeder it should be placed out of the wind and close to other habitat if possible. Keep some distance between your feeder and other structures or habitat. Birds feel safest feeding in a generally open area so that they can easily detect any potential threats.
Diversify your menu:
To attract a wide variety of birds it’s important to use a variety of food sources. Great winter time food sources to include in your feeders are black oil sunflower seeds (use hulled sunflower hearts to avoid a buildup of discarded shells), suet, peanuts, nyjer, fruit (chopped apples, orange wedges, cranberries, banana slices, halved grapes or melon rinds), millet, and salt (in minimal amounts). Creating a mixture of seeds in your feeders can be the most efficient way to attract a diverse array of birds to your feeder. Choose seed mixes that include a large amount of sunflower seeds, millet, and nuts. Corn, milo, and wheat are normally included in bird food mixes to serve as filler and are less appetizing to songbirds.
This information is provided by Wild Birds Unlimited and The Spruce. Happy Birding!
