Feeding Wild Birds in the Winter

After the leaves have all fallen and the snow sets in, food becomes scarce for our feathered friends. If you’ve never noticed just how many types of birds there are in your backyard put out a bird feeder (or two) and they will literally “flock” to it! I can’t tell you just how wonderful it is to wake up on a chilly January morning with a cup of tea in hand, and look outside my kitchen window to see the fluster of activity. Being connected to nature in such a way is so rewarding and enriching. With so many species of birds here in New England, there are a variety of feeders available to accommodate each one. I have 4 different types of feeders myself and I realize this may sound a little overwhelming for a first-time bird enthusiast, so let me give you the breakdown for each type.

The tube with the large holes has lots of perches to accommodate a number of birds at one time and is great for medium to large mixed seeds and nuts. This type of feeder will attract assorted sparrows and finches, chickadees, titmice …maybe larger birds like grackles and European starlings, as well.

The thistle tube feeder is perfect for goldfinches. It also has many perches for up to 6 birds at one time. They absolutely adore thistle! Goldfinches are bright yellow in the summer and will gradually turn a more muted shade for winter plumage. I find goldfinches to be such sweet, happy little birds. Anytime I see or hear them they put a smile on my face.

The shelf feeder is by far, in my opinion, the best. It is made of clear plastic and affixes to a window with suction cups. I love it because not only can the squirrels not access it, but it makes it possible to view a wild bird from just a few feet away! I use straight up black oil sunflower seeds. This particular seed attracts the widest variety of birds. I had the larger version of this feeder and the mourning doves kept plopping themselves down in it for 20 minutes at a time, pecking away and dominating the feeder, so I eventually got the smaller one that they couldn’t fit into.

From left, Thistle feeder and Suet Feeder with Downy Woodpecker

The suet feeder is ideal for woodpeckers and nuthatches. The downey woodpecker is actually very common around here and I hear one occasionally at our Brighton location. The chickadees will also visit this feeder.

You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned Blue Jays or Cardinals. That is because these birds are too big for these types of feeders. If you would like to provide a feeder for them, a platform feeder is best. They are also easy to make. I personally just scatter seed on the ground for them; and the doves.

There is also another bird I find in my yard in the winter, the dark-eyed junco. A cute little gray bird with a white belly. You may find species of birds that I haven’t even mentioned, depending where you live. I definitely recommend investing in a bird identification book. It has been very helpful not only at home, but also during my trips to Mt. Auburn Cemetery, one of my favorite places to bird-watch. Many migratory birds pass through there during different times of the year, and they have a chalkboard for visitors to post their bird spottings! But I digress…..

I also want to mention that squirrels are very persistent and clever when it comes to birdfeeders, so I just want to warn you up front to make sure you find a spot where they cannot climb or jump to the feeder. If you are using a shepard’s hook, make sure to use a squirrel baffle with it.

Mahoneys does provide most of these items, but be sure to call first for availability, as it varies from store to store.

If you have additional questions or are interested in talking about birds further, please feel free to give me a call at the Brighton store 617.787.8885 I would love to hear from you! I always enjoy a good chat with a fellow bird lover.

Happy Birding!!

Photo credits: Top by JWThompson; next by CSeeman; thistle by Jimmy Smith; woodpecker by Dawn Huczek; and squirrel by JillClardy.