Winter Bird Feeding 101

This is a re-post from much earlier, but we updated some of the information. We love birds at KC Landscape Curbing, and think that birdwatching is a very rewarding hobby. Here are some tips on winter bird feeding. There is nothing better than a lazy Sunday on the porch watching the robins and blue jays eat from the bird feeder. But when that cold weather hits, it is time to protect our winged friends winterize the bird feeders.

The Purpose of the Bird Feeder

The purpose of a bird feeder is simple: to feed birds. But the best thing about a bird feeder is being able to experience a feeding. Watching the birds eat and interact with each other is pretty incredible.Observing nature is on my list of one of life's most relaxing things. If you have never done sat back and watched the birds, you should definitely try it. And if you get the right type of food and feeder, you can attract all sorts of birds.One perk of having a bird feeder is that they are pretty low maintenance. Even winterizing a bird feeder only has to take a few minutes. And those few minutes will give you hours of enjoyable bird watching from your patio table outside to your windows inside.

How to Winterize Your Bird Feeder

Birds know what to do when it gets cold; they either fly south or adapt to the cooler climates. For the ones who adapt, you can make their eating experience a little more enjoyable by properly winterizing your bird feeder for optimal feeding.

Proper Placement of your Bird Feeder

First, you will want to place the bird feeder in place that is covered so the snow does not block the entrance. You can accomplish this by placing the bird feeders around landscaping design, near bushes and trees. This will also help provide protection from the wind.

Proper Food for Birds

The best type of food to attract a variety of birds is a mixed seed. Avoid the use of bread crumbs to feed birds, even in the winter. Bread does not have the proper nutrition that birds need.It is wise to provide fresh water and check to make sure your water is not frozen. You can also add a little sand or grit to your seeds in the winter time to help the birds better grind up and digest the seeds.You may see different birds in the winter than in the summer, but properly winterizing your bird feeder will increase your chances of seeing the best birds your area offers.

Winter Birds

There are plenty of birds who thrive in the cold weather. In Missouri some popular winter birds are: holly, finch, blue birds, woodpeckers, starlings and robins. If you provide the right type of seeds and have the appropriate conditions, you can attract many of these different species.Want to watch the birds, but don't have a bird feeder? Get creative with your family and build your own! Then, take time as a family to sit back, relax and watch the birds together this winter.