Even on the gray, cloudy days of winter, there’s one sure way to add color and life to your yard. While many birds have already flown south for the winter season, plenty of birds from Canada and New England consider Virginia “the South” and spend the winter here.
There’s no better way to attract them to your yard than by providing them with food. In the winter months, many birds shift from eating insects and spiders to focusing on berries and seeds. The type of food you provide can affect the type of birds that visit, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The Menu
Birds’ top choice: Black-oil sunflower seeds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports that these types of seeds attract the widest variety of birds. “These seeds have a high meat-to-shell ratio, they are nutritious and high in fat, and their small size and thin shells make them easy for small birds to handle and crack. (Striped sunflower seeds are larger and have a thicker seed coat.)”
You may also consider adding cracked corn, white proso millet, nyjer (also called thistle seed) and safflower. Be sure to check the ingredients when you buy bird food at the store. Many types include cheap filler seeds that local birds may not like.
Many birds love peanuts — but so do squirrels, mice and rats. Peanut butter (all natural with no sugar or preservatives added) and suet (pure beef fat) can also attract birds, who appreciate these high-energy, calorie-dense treats.
Birds may appreciate cut-up fruit (grapes, sliced citrus, apple or bananas) and frozen berries in the winter, as well. You can put these in a shallow bowl on a platform feeder, Cornell advises. In addition, birds will appreciate some fresh water. Change this water every few days. While mosquitoes won’t lay eggs in water during the winter months, birds need clean, fresh water — especially when local streams freeze over.
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Go Natural
Birds flying through the area in the winter appreciate native plants and habitats, according to the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia. Native plants can provide not only food but shelter for birds and other wildlife. You can consider adding nesting boxes to your landscape, too, to offer a protected place for birds to live. Information on what to plant in the spring is available from plantnovanatives.org.
Bird Feeder Placement
The best place to locate your bird feeder is either very close to a window or far away. If a feeder is close to a window, birds are unlikely to fly fast enough to be injured by the glass. If the feeder is far away, birds should avoid the glass entirely, according to Cornell. While birds need shelter, your feeder should be about 10 feet away from shrubs and bushes where predators could be hiding.
Feeder Maintenance
No matter the type of feeder you use, you should clean your bird feeder at least weekly by taking it down, emptying it and cleaning it with soapy water and a brush. Be sure to let the feeder dry completely before refilling it to avoid the development of mold, which can make birds sick.
Types of Bird Feeders
While we may laugh at YouTube videos of the “Yankee Flipper” — a battery-operated feeder that spins to launch squirrels off of it — there are other types of feeders and ways to prevent squirrels from hogging the bird seed.
In addition, feeders used in the winter should offer protection from the elements to keep seeds dry.
- Tray or platform feeders: These feeders are good for fruits and berries, but they’re most prone to attracting squirrels and chipmunks. The best platform feeders have screens for drainage and should be emptied and cleaned every two days.
- Hopper or “house” feeders: Birds love these feeders, but they are harder to keep clean. You’ll need a baffle at the very least to keep squirrels away.
- Window feeders: Window feeders are great for watching certain types of birds. But, because the birds stand on the feeder while eating, the seeds can be soiled with bird poop and food should be changed daily.
- Tube feeders: Tube feeders are great for several varieties of birds, but the seed below the lowest feeding port can grow mold or bacteria and bird researchers recommend blocking that portion of the feeder or changing food frequently.
- Nyjer feeders: These feeders have fine mesh to hold the small nyjer or thistle seeds. If it rains, the feed should be changed soon to prevent mold.
- Suet feeders: The best suet feeders have plastic-coated wire and can be hung in a variety of ways.
The highly-rated The Backyard Bird Feeder (formerly The Wild Bird Center) in Alexandria is a good place to go for both natural, filler-free foods for backyard birds as well as bird feeders, baffles, books and more.
The Backyard Bird Feeder is located at 3216 Duke St. Learn more at backyardbirdfeeder.com.
