How to Help Birds Prepare for Cold Weather

By Leslie Miller

With blizzards already affecting parts of the country, it’s time to consider how to help birds prepare for cold weather. Most migrants left their summer nesting areas long ago, while others are still on the move. This is November, but I still see V’s of ducks, geese, and cranes flying south here in the central flyway. Soon the transition from summer to winter populations will be complete, even here in the south.

Birds are naturally well-adapted to surviving winter, but there are some things you may wish to do to help. Food, water and shelter are a birds’ survival priorities. When you help them meet their needs, you get to enjoy their colorful presence all winter. For me, it’s hard to beat the beautiful contrasting colors of cardinals and jays against a snow-covered spruce, pine tree, or cedar.

Cardinal Foraging for Food  (photo by Leslie Miller)

Why and What to Feed Your Birds

Birds need to build and maintain a healthy layer of fat in order to survive cold temperatures. In order to stay warm, they need calories to burn, just like people. Food is energy; easy food is easy energy.

Providing reliable, easy access to healthy food is the most beneficial way to help birds any time of the year. This is especially true in winter when natural food sources are scarce or difficult to access due to snow and ice.

Birds have distinct feeding strategies. Many common backyard birds eat a combination of seeds, berries, fruit, nuts, grains, insects, and/or fats. These are often available in commercial wild bird foods.

Related Featured Articles

Attracting Birds: Bringing Life to Your Winter Garden
Attracting Birds: Bringing Life to Your Winter Garden
By Jean Starr
Read article
Winter Perennials for Your Garden
Winter Perennials for Your Garden
By Jean Starr
Read article

Related Videos

Fall Garden Cleanup & Plants to Keep During Winter
Fall Garden Cleanup & Plants to Keep During Winter
Runtime: 4:42
Watch Video
Winter Garden Bouquets: Creative Ideas and Suggestions
Winter Garden Bouquets: Creative Ideas and Suggestions
Runtime: 3:24
Watch Video

Related Blogs

Nuthatch on feeder
How to help your birds this winter
By Leslie Miller
Read this post
Feed the birds now so they eat garden pests in the future
By Amy Grisak
Read this post

Here’s more information about gardening that you’re going to want

Membership has its perks!

Become a PlantersPlace member! Registered users can ask Marianne Binetti questions, create personal photo gallery and post product reviews.