Feeding Wild Birds in the Snow

Wintertime is a hard time for birds that do not migrate for the winter. According to Kaytee.com, some of the birds that stay in cold temperatures include chickadees, goldfinches, sparrows, doves, starlings and woodpeckers. These birds keep warm in the winter by shivering and growing extra thick feathers for the winter. Even with these natural defenses against the cold, finding food to eat is still a hardship for many birds. You can help these birds survive the winter by providing a winter supply of feed.

Things You'll Need

  • Sunflower seeds
  • Suet
  • Golden safflower seeds
  • Thistle seeds
  • Peanuts
  • Two kinds of single seed bird feed packets
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Heated bird bath
  • Shovel
  • Tamp
  • Natural all-purpose cleaner
  • Old rags
  • Large bucket with airtight lid
  • Scoop
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a mixture of sunflower seeds, suet, thistles, peanuts, bird seed packets and safflower seeds. According to ChesapeakeAudubon.org, these foods are best for winter feedings. Make sure there is an even mix of every kind of seed. The thistles are added to attract goldfinches, which enjoy eating them more than other kinds of seeds, according to Kaytee.com. Keep the seed in a large, airtight bucket for easy refilling of the outdoor feeder.

    • 2

      Replace the feed in the bird feeder about once a month if the birds do not eat all of the food. This helps keep the kind of seed stocked that the birds prefer, and keeps the seeds fresh.

    • 3

      Brush off snow and ice from the feeder after every snowfall. This helps the birds gain better access to the feed. Make sure perches are not iced over so that the birds can land on the perch to reach the food. If the perch becomes icy, melt the ice with a hair dryer.

    • 4

      Keep the snow underneath the feeder compacted, or remove it with a shovel. Remove snow if it starts to creep up close to the level of the bird feeder. Birds are not as comfortable feeding on the ground where cats and other predators can reach them. Tamp the snow down with the tamp to allow the birds to reach the feed that falls into the snow. If the snow is compacted, it is easier for the birds to eat according to Kaytee.com.

    • 5

      Clean off the entire feeder about once a month using an all-purpose natural spray. Use a natural spray rather than a chemical spray to protect the birds from harsh chemicals. Wipe away any bird droppings with an old rag. You can also take the feeder apart and wash each part individually if necessary.