Offer running water to birds – it’s near-impossible to find on freezing winter days, and water is just as important as food. If they are to survive the cold winter, birds must keep their feathers clean and dry – but if covered with a layer of grease, this is impossible and could lead to death. Bird feeding is most helpful at times of when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted. Types of Food to Feed Birds. Insect-eating birds turn to alternative foods, some species travel far and wide, and foraging behaviour adapts, but we can lend a helping hand by providing a welcome … You’ll find that offering water makes your backyard the place to be for your favorite backyard birds. Buy our wild bird food and accessories. Help birds this winter by offering them peanuts, cracked corn, black-oil sunflower seed, mealworms and more. Find out which birds are most likely to be visitors to your garden. Here are four foods birds love that you should add to your backyard menu for winter. 4 Foods to Feed Birds in Winter To attract more winter birds, add these best-loved options to your backyard menu. Wintertime, and the livin' ain't easy. Backyard bird feeding can make a real contribution to their survival and even thriving during the winter months. The best things to feed backyard birds in winter Stock up on Suet Birds will benefit from being fed during some of the hardest times of the year - not just in the winter … Feeding Birds in Winter. If they are to survive the cold winter, birds must keep their feathers clean and dry – but if covered with a layer of grease, this is impossible and could lead to death. At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. When do they need extra food? Most birds don't need your help in the summer. Winter is the best time to feed birds kitchen scraps as the colder weather means there is less risk of them turning rancid or attracting rats and other vermin. Birds will happily eat various leftovers including unsalted bacon, mild cheese, soaked dried fruit, small amounts of bread, cooked rice and nuts. Protect birds from collisions by placing feeders within three feet of windows, if possible. What birds could I see? It not only preserves the life of the food, but also gives your birds a safe and sheltered experience. (Number 7 of "How to Prepare for Winter Bird Feeding in 8 Steps.") It is critical to choose feeders that are sturdy enough for use in the winter especially if your weather includes blowing ice and snow. The Cottage feeder provides wide coverage for feed and birds as well. We've got a list of the 10 best foods for winter bird feeding, as well as special tips and insights for certain bird species. If you offer the best winter bird foods, you will find a greater variety of birds visiting your feeders even on the coldest days. 7. Even though the spring season follows quickly after winter, many birds lack access to a food source when flying from one destination to another. The Cottage feeder provides wide coverage for feed and birds as well. Winter birds have preferences for foods, particularly during the winter months when the weather is so cold.They do best if you have a hearty supply of their favorite foods on hand. Want to feed birds in winter, but not sure where to start? Feeding birds in winter can be rewarding and enjoyable in the midst of chilly weather. Birds require high-energy (high-fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. Bird Baths in Winter? Some ornithologists have even suggested that bird feeding is more beneficial to us (humans) than it is to the birds. When to feed garden birds. Feeding birds What food can you leave out for birds and how can you keep your feeding station hygienic and pest-free? 9) Locate feeders to reduce window collisions . Should I feed birds year-round? Feeder coverage is at the most beneficial for birds during the winter time. Feeder coverage is at the most beneficial for birds during the winter time. Feed the birds in your garden, and help attract new ones, with our wild bird feeder range, including bird feeders, wild bird food and bird baths. These foods give them the energy they need to make it through tough winter days and nights. It's not necessary. Here are ten pointers for a successful winter bird feeding season: Put out feeders with good size capacity: And/or use multiple feeders to provide ample food especially during snow and ice storms.