16 Ways to Help Birds Survive Harsh Winters

Days of freezing temperatures can devastate bird populations. During the winter of 2020, several trail monitors reported that they had discovered frozen birds after having days of below freezing weather.

Some of the quickest ways to help native birds survive harsh winters is to provide filler-free seed mixes, make sure they have access to fresh water, protect feeders from wind and rain, and provide roosting shelters. 

We provide our full list of ways to help native birds get through harsh winters, and provide more detail about each tip.

1. Provide protein and fat rich seed that contains no filler.
2. Provide suet to supplement their fat needs.
3. Use weight-sensitive squirrel-resistant feeders to prevent squirrels from emptying your feeders.
4. Set a platform feeder under hanging feeders to recapture fallen food.
5. Keep invasive, feeder hog birds away from your feeders.
6. Scatter seed out for ground feeding birds
7. Make the bluebird banquet, a protein packed bird favorite.
8. Use bird bath heaters or a heated bath to always make water available.
9. Protect birds from wind.
10. Use enclosed mealworm feeders for both mealworms and seed.
11. Keep seed and suet fresh.
12. Don’t forget to keep your feeders clean and sterilized.
13. Put up and monitor nest boxes (not decorative birdhouses).
14. Winterize your nest box.
15. Plant berry bushes and evergreen bushes for food and shelter.
16. Participate in citizen science events like the Great Backyard Bird Count

1. Feed your birds no-filler, protein packed seed mixes

During winter time, and even in early spring, supplying your birds with extra proteins and fats will give them the energy they need to keep their bodies warm.

When shopping for seed blends, look for mixes that do not have filler seed such as millet, milo and cracked corn.

Instead, look specifically for nutritious seed blends containing black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, peanuts, tree nuts, and pumpkin seed kernels. The nuts and seeds of these blends are a rich source of protein and fats.

For finches, we still recommend continuing with nyjer feeders in addition to these nutty blends. Gold finches, in particular, are fond of nyjer and will eat it all winter long.

2. Provide suet

Suet, on its own, is fat. And fat is incredibly important for birds. Now, you can go to a butcher, ask for suet, render it, and make your own cakes. If you have the available time, this could be a fun but messy option.

The other option, which is both very affordable and less time-consuming, is to purchase ready-made suet cakes for birds.

These are ready to go, with seed blends mixed inside. When evaluating suet, consider the first tip and find blends that don’t include filler ingredients.

Of course, if that’s all there is available, you’re still safe to put it out. The fatty suet itself will provide considerable sustenance. Another upside to suet is that a variety of birds will eat it. You’ll find chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, titmice and woodpeckers all flocking to your suet feeders.

3. Keep squirrels out or feed them separately

Bird lovers know that squirrels can be a nuisance, completely emptying feeders in a single day. During spring and summer, when bugs are plenty, this isn’t as detrimental to bird populations. But during winter time when berries are gone and bugs are under frozen ground, an empty feeder is a scary thing.

Keep in mind, birds are very active little creatures, with a fast running metabolism. Keeping their body temperature up means they need a constant food supply that does not tax their energy. Ways to resolve the squirrel issue is to use a weight-sensitive style squirrel-resistant feeder.

In our experience, we have found these styles to be the most effective at keeping squirrels out. We have two recommendations for weight-sensitive feeders below, and our tests have confirmed their effectiveness.

Hot-pepper seed mixes and suet cakes are another way of keeping squirrels out. However, significant precipitation can dilute the pepper concentration.

In addition to squirrel-resistant feeders, we do recommend finding ways to feed squirrels. This could be as simple as scattering out a little food.

4. Put a platform feeder beneath a hanging feeder for ground feeding birds and squirrels

If you really watch birds at a feeder, you’ll find them discarding seed they don’t like until they find kernels they do like.

For instance a wren might discard safflower and sunflower, making it easier for him to access a dried mealworm. Don’t worry, the seed that falls to the ground gets eaten.

Birds like juncos, white-throated sparrows and mourning doves will forage on the ground for seed bits. In fact, that’s mostly where you’ll find these native birds. To make foraging a little easier and help conserve their energy, put a surface or platform feeder beneath your hanging feeders.

The other benefit of this trick is that it will minimize the amount of seed that ends up germinating and growing. And when snow falls (not a heavy snow), it’s much easier to churn up what’s in the platform so that seed is easier for birds to get to.

Finally, pairing this strategy with a weight-sensitive squirrel-resistant feeder will allow squirrels access to some food, while minimizing their need to try to mess with your hanging feeder. If you don’t want to use your hanging platform feeders, a great option we really love is our ground platform feeder.

5. Keep invasive feeder hog birds out (European starlings, house sparrows and Eurasian tree sparrows)

Have you ever had a hoard of starlings land in your yard? If you have, then you also probably found your feeder emptied or your suet cakes completely gone. House sparrows are no better. They usually come in large flocks, bully other birds away from seed and run you dry.

What’s even worse is that these three species are invasive and frequently harm native birds. There are a few ways to minimize the drain these birds put on your food supply.

Preventing starlings:

• Many weight-sensitive bird feeders have weight settings, allowing you to exclude heavier birds like starlings. For instance, the double-sided squirrel-resistant feeder is a great option that allows you to control who has access based on weight.
• Caged feeders that have a 1.25 inch opening or less are a way of excluding starlings based on size. One feeder we like is the caged sunflower screen feeder. The outer cage has a 1-inch grid making it difficult for starlings to get into. Furthermore, the screen style feeding system adds another obstacle. 
• Use upside down suet feeders. When it comes to starling hoards, they will pick suet clean in an hour or two if suet is provided. Fortunately, starlings aren’t considered clingers like nuthatches, chickadees, titmice and various woodpeckers. So when up against gravity, starlings are going to have a tougher fight compared to true clinger birds. This is the best way to provide suet without attracting a hoard of starlings to your yard.

Preventing house sparrows and Eurasian tree sparrows

Before we dive into prevention, we want to just highlight the fact that we are not talking about native North American sparrows, which are not harmful birds. We are talking specifically about the invasive house sparrows and Eurasian tree sparrows.

• Don’t put out seed that attracts these old world sparrows such as blends containing millet and cracked corn.
• Don’t put out bread, cereal, popcorn or other people-food that tends to attract these old world sparrows.
• Have extra feeders available, because when they’re desperate, they’ll eat anything. These extra feeders will ensure native birds have a chance.
• Do not provide a designated sparrow feeder with filler seed. It might seem like a good idea to provide a separate feeding station for these birds so that your native birds have a place to eat without being bothered. However, a designated feeder for invasive house sparrows will only continue to attract them to your yard. Once nesting season approaches, the house sparrows now visiting your yard will pose a significant threat to your native adulty cavity nesters and their nestlings.

6. Don’t forget ground feeding birds

Already, we hinted about ground feeders, but we want to draw special attention to these little guys because they often get missed.

Northern populations of dark-eyed juncos, for example, summer in northern Canada and migrate south to middle regions of the United States during the winter. You won’t typically see them on feeders. Instead, they’ll be on the ground foraging for food.

In fact, they are extremely fun to watch after a snow, because they will do a little scoot-dance to free up buried seed.

White-throated sparrows are another great example of ground-feeding migrant birds. These are super sweet birds who have one of the loveliest songs.

To care for our winter visitors, you can scatter some seed on the ground, especially in areas like protected corners or under bushes. Or you can hang a platform feeder. You don’t need to hang them very high, and we also recommend using larger sized platforms. 

7. Make the bluebird banquet

The bluebird banquet is a protein and fat packed recipe that bluebirds and other birds love. It’s made with peanut butter, peanut and sunflower hearts, cornmeal and rinsed raisins.

There are two things to keep in mind about the bluebird banquet. The first is that it contains peanut butter, which has a high salt content. There are some claims that the salt level is dangerous to birds, especially if there is not enough water available. However, we are unable to find definitive studies on this. If you use the bluebird banquet, make sure to have a lot of available water, and find a low salt or no salt peanut butter option.

The second thing to consider is the fact that the ingredients may attract starlings. Once a scout starling comes, it will call its whole flock. Should this happen, pull up the food and substitute with suet in an upside down suet feeder instead.

Bluebird banquet recipe:

• 1 cup peanut butter 
• 4 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup unbleached flour  (whole wheat)
• Add the following:
  • 1 cup fine sunflower seed chips
  • 1 cup peanut hearts or finely ground nuts
  • 1 cup soaked raisins cut in halves or currants (preferred)
  • Stir in rendered melted suet (you can get suet from a butcher or meat market) Bacon grease is not recommended.

8. Make sure water is available

When it comes to life, water is the most immediate essential for all of us. But when temperatures are below freezing, especially for several days, available water is scarce.

Even if you have a bird bath, without a heater, it won’t be useful during extreme temperatures. Bird bath heaters are a great addition. The heating apparatuses work like a thermostat in your house, only heating up when necessary and keeping water temperature above freezing.

You can also invest in a heated bird bath. Our particular favorite is the heated rocky bird bath. We love this option for several reasons:

• The natural rock appearance and sand coating makes it easy for birds to grip and perch.
• The bath has different depth levels, allowing it to cater to multiple species.
• Birds seem to love this style of birdbath.
• You don’t need a pedestal. You can just place it on the ground.
• They aren’t heavy and are super easy to clean.

Just be sure to use an outdoor style extension cord, a weatherproof cord protector, and everything needs to be plugged into a grounded, GFI outlet.

9. Provide protection from wind

Wind just exacerbates everything during winter time. Protecting your feeders from the wind is a great way to help protect your visiting birds. A simple way to do this is to hang your feeders in protected corners or near bushes and trees.

Covered feeders are another option.

You can also improvise by fixing wooden boards around your feeders or building a feed shelter. Below, we have some feeder options you might want to consider. 

10. Use enclosed mealworm feeders

Enclosed mealworm feeders are sheltered feeders that allow cavity birds access to the food inside. Usually, bird lovers set a small dish inside full of live mealworms. Live mealworms are a great option during winter time for a number of reasons:

• Live mealworms provide a source of water (though it’s not enough to keep birds fully hydrated).
• They are a good source of proteins and fats.
• Many birds prefer them more than freeze dried mealworms.
• They offer a little variety when the only other food available is seed.
• Some native birds are not seed eaters and rely on bugs and grub.

Besides mealworms, you can also put seed in these feeders. This provides shelter from the elements as birds go in and out for food.

For easy cleaning, put the seed in a small shallow dish, and don’t over fill. 

You can find our mealworm feeders here. However, our favorite enclosed feeder is the recycled plastic mealworm feeder. It’s durable, sustainable, and we know birds love it. Take a look at the product page to learn more and see video of wrens and chickadees using this feeder.

11. Keep seed and suet fresh

Snow, wind and other elements can cause seed and suet to spoil. Even if your feeder isn’t empty, we recommend refreshing your feeders every two – three weeks.

If there was a significant rainstorm, it’s recommended you check the condition of your seed. Wet seed, and even suet, will get moldy. Birds usually won’t go for rotten, spoiled seed. But if they’re desperate, they may eat anything, and this could cause them to get very sick.

12. Don’t neglect feeder cleaning

It’s always important to clean and sterilize your feeders, but during winter time, this can seem like a monumental chore. It’s cold, windy and dismal. Cleaning the bird feeders is the last thing on your mind. But diseases can still spread. Don’t forget to clean your feeders on a regular schedule.

13. Put up and monitor nest boxes

During the coldest weeks, cavity nesting birds will roost in tree holes and nest boxes. If you already have a nest box (not a decorative bird house), leave it up for the winter time, and make sure to monitor what is going into your nest box.

Remember, true conservation means conserving native birds and not allowing invasive birds (starlings and house sparrows) to thrive.

The best nest boxes to use are those built according to species-specific standards. For instance, use bluebird nest boxes built according to the North American Bluebird Society guidelines.

Sometimes, when you put up a nest box for a certain bird, you’ll end up getting a different bird roosting. As long as they’re native birds, that’s ok.

Currently, we have a downy woodpecker roosting in one of our available bluebird boxes. Each night, just before sunset, he comes in and curls up to sleep. Usually, he leaves just after sunrise, unless it’s colder out.

Even though Mr. Downy is roosting in a bluebird box, he’s a native bird and a definite resident of the area.

The goal, ultimately, is to support the native birds in your area, and help them make it through the winter.

14. Winterize your nest boxes

The best nest boxes, for nesting, have ventilation holes on the top sides of the box. This allows better airflow during hot days. While this is important during the summer, this is counterproductive during winter time.

One of the first immediate steps to take in order to winterize your nest box is to plug up the vent holes. To plug up the drain and vent holes, and provide more insulation, you can add insulative material to the nest box.

If you discover bluebirds checking out your nest box, add some pine needles. For chickadees and woodpeckers, consider wood shavings.

Visit a local lumber store to ask for wood chips. Bring a large bag because you will sometimes need to refresh the material throughout winter.

Half an inch to an inch thick is a good start.

If you have a camera in your nest box and notice multiple birds spending the night, add perching material like a horizontal stick or one set diagonally (very optional). This will allow multiple birds to spread out a little easier rather than sitting on top of each other. One of the worst things that can happen in a crowded nest box during winter time is suffocation.

Finally, when some trail monitors are aware of significant freeze warnings, they will insulate the exterior of the nest box with wool material or Styrofoam. We only recommend that last tactic after you’ve consulted with other bird experts. Trail monitors tend to debate these tactics. Some favor them, some think it’s an overstep.

15. Plant bushes, especially berry plants and evergreen plants

This tip is meant for long-term efforts. Bushes provide great shelter. Not only do they protect birds from the elements during winter time, but they also provide cover from predators.

Winterberry plants are a great option because they provide berries in late fall and into winter time.

Robins, woodpeckers, bluebirds and many other species will feed on these berries. For a bigger chart of berry plants and their fruiting season, check out our article about bluebird migration.

Aside from berry plants, evergreen bushes (some of which also provide berries) like holly, juniper, and arborvitae provide year-round shelter from wind and cover from predators.

If you’re planning some future landscaping or just want to garden for the birds, consider including these two plant categories.

16. Participate in citizen science events such as the great backyard bird count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global effort for everyday bird lovers to report their observations and contribute to a large citizen scientist effort. This is one of many ways you can help researchers understand what is happening with bird populations.

While not exactly winter related, Nest Watch is another great citizen scientist effort that you can take part in if you have birds nesting in your area. Data you provide helps researchers on a national scale.

If you’re an avid bird lover and want to contribute overall to bird success and education, look for other ways you can report your observations.

Takeaways

• Basic needs for birds during winter time is access to water, and protein and fat rich seed.
• Find ways to reduce energy loss by making sure birds don’t have to compete with squirrels or invasive feeder hogs for food.
• Reduce the burden of elements by placing feeders in sheltered locations.
• Use nest boxes (never decorative bird houses) that are built specifically for native birds, and make sure to monitor the activity.
• Plant native plants for shelter and food.

Even exercising the basics of winter bird care can save the lives of many of your native backyard birds. In the long run, this can make a huge difference overall, especially for native birds whose numbers have been on a decline.