feeding birds in winter

Many different kinds of birds may make their home in your garden in the winter or passing birds maybe searching for food. Tube feeders can be bought at most DIY stores and filled with a variety of nuts and seeds. In addition to tube feeders, you also can find other types of bird feeders and seed for backyard bird feeding.

You can alsp purchase special feeders that hold blocks of suet or you can collect large pine cones, which then can be dipped in liquid fat (melted suet) or stuffed with peanut butter.

Be aware that if you start feeding in the autumn birds probably will not come to the feeder right away. They still can find plenty of natural food in the environment. Once the first significant frost or snow occurs, however, birds will flock to your feeder and you will need to be diligent to keep the feeders full.

If you want a greater variety of wild birds to visit your backyard and feeders, provide water throughout the winter. Birds will use a water source for drinking and bathing. You can provide water by using a simple, shallow dish and placing it in a location safe from predators, such as cats.

This should be an open area in the garden, so birds can spot predators. Cats tend to sneak up on birds, so placing a water dish or feeder in an area where felines can hide is not a good idea.

You also can purchase a birdbath at a nursery, garden centre. It is important to clean the water source at least weekly, scrubbing and cleaning the inside of the birdbath with a mild solution of soap or detergent.

Be sure to remove all of the soap before refilling the birdbath with water. A birdbath heating device will keep water from freezing, so birds have access to fresh, clean water throughout the winter.