Backyard Birdwatching

Backyard Birdwatching: Attracting Feathered Friends This Winter

As the new year begins, Minnesotans everywhere are lamenting the mild winter. With little-to-no snow throughout most of the state, many of our favorite activities—cross country-skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and building snow sculptures—are out of the question. Unless you’re lucky enough to live near a ski hill or love to ice fish, you’re probably spending more time indoors so far this season. One hobby that’s fun and easy to pursue even during mild winters is backyard birdwatching. Let’s explore some basics to get you started!

If You Build It, They Will Come

bird feeder options

 

As you embark on creating your winter bird sanctuary, decide which types of birds you want to attract. Keep in mind that out of nearly 240 species of local birds, only about 20 stick around for Minnesota winters. However, among those 20 species, there are many birds who would love a healthy meal!

Learn which birds you’re likely to see in your winter feeders here

And remember that even though many birds migrate to warmer climates during Minnesota’s coldest months, if your feeders are ready, you’ll see an influx of warm-weather birds join their hearty winter-loving counterparts at the first signs of spring!

Feeder options include:

Tube feeders: Tube feeders attract small birds like chickadees, finches, and nuthatches.
Platform feeders: Platform feeders attract larger birds like cardinals, juncos, blue jays, and northern sparrows.
Suet feeders: Suet feeders are ideal for woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, and cardinals.
Hopper feeders: Hopper feeders attract a variety of birds. Doves and cardinals are particularly enamored with hopper feeders since they like to have a platform to stand on when feeding. 

Hot tip: Do you appreciate squirrel-watching but want to keep them out of your bird feeders? Squirrels are known acrobats! Make sure your feeders are situated at least 10 feet away from any trees or structures that squirrels could launch from. Or, to distract them, create a separate squirrel-feeding station with peanuts, corn, or other squirrel-specific goodies. Find more squirrel-proofing tips here!

Thoughtfully Select Your Seeds 

Bird seed choices

Once you decide which birds you want to attract and which type(s) of feeders you’re going to install, it’s time to select seeds that hearty local birds will love! 

Black oil sunflower seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds are a high-energy food source and attract a wide variety of birds. They contain the protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, potassium, and iron that birds need, especially in the meager winter months when their bodies work harder to survive. Cardinals, mourning doves, chickadees, jays, house finches, nuthatches, and pine siskins are a few of the many birds that enjoy these seeds. 

Thistle seeds: With a good mix of protein, fat, and fiber, thistle seeds are another great winter food source for your backyard birds. American goldfinches, pine siskins, chickadees, and juncos are a few birds that particularly love a thistle-seed meal. 

Suet cakes: Even if you haven’t put in the time or effort to create a winter bird habitation, you may have hung a block of suet in a nearby tree. This high-fat choice gives birds of all kinds the energy they need to endure the harsh winter elements. 

Tips for Creating a Bird-Friendly Winter Yard

  • Choose feeder locations that are sheltered from the wind, if possible.
  • Situate feeders relatively close to shrubs or trees to attract more birds and create an atmosphere of safety. Add a small brush pile nearby for additional shelter.
  • Consider adding a heated bird bath. It’s winter and natural water sources are likely frozen, but birds still need water to drink, and they still want to clean off their feathers.
  • Check feeders often, especially after heavy winds and snowstorms. Make sure to keep them filled.
  • Hang at least one or two feeders where they are easy to view from the warmth of your home for endless winter backyard birdwatching. Then, keep a journal from year to year, recording dates and sightings!

McDonough Landscaping is your lawn and garden expert. We help you create inviting outdoor spaces for both people and wildlife. It’s not too early to start planning your spring and summer projects. If you’d like to discuss your ideas or want to get on our calendar, contact us here!

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Posted in Blog.