The Importance of Winter Bird Feeding

Winter is just around the corner, and it's time to help our feathered friends get ready for the cold months ahead. Birds need a lot of energy to stay warm in winter, and one way we can help them is by keeping food fresh, dry, and most importantly, available. That’s why hanging a bird feeder in the colder months is essential to keeping birds healthy during this difficult time of year.  We'll also dive into the best seeds to attract birds to your feeder during these cooler months. Let's get started!

The AutoFeeder: A Bird's Best Friend in Winter

Birds are like us; they need food, water and a warm place to stay when it gets cold. As winter starts to wind up, the days are shorter, and the food becomes scarce. Birds must work extra hard to find enough food to stay warm and energized. But guess what? We can make their lives a little easier by setting up a dependable bird feeder. Naturally, we recommend the Wingscapes® Autofeeder for several reasons. Designed to dispense small amounts of food from 1-10 seconds long up to 4 times a day, birds can visit and eat whenever they're hungry. You don't have to worry about feeding them every day; the feeder takes care of it! The AutoFeeder also keeps seed dry, regardless of the conditions. Rain, snow or shine- dry food is always available. Watch as your birds learn not only where you feeder is at, but what time to expect fresh food to drop. Moreover, the Autofeeder has a large 5 lb. seed capacity meaning less trips to the feeder on cold days, and the large 6-inch opening is perfect for easy, quick refills.                               

When setting up your AutoFeeder there are a few things to consider to be a great bird host.

1. Choose the Right Location: Find a quiet spot in your yard where birds can feel safe and set up your AutoFeeder there.
2. Occasional Refill: The AutoFeeder can hold up to 5 pounds of bird seed at a time, so you won't have to fill it up often. Birds will come back often when they know where they can find constant food.
3. Offer Water: Birds need water, especially in the winter. A bird bath or a shallow dish with clean water nearby is a great idea.
4. Safety First: Make sure your bird feeder is safe from cats and other predators that might harm the birds

Why Birds Love the AutoFeeder:

• It provides a steady source of dry food.
• Birds can conserve their energy by not having to search for food.
• Having constant food helps them stay strong and healthy during winter.

The Best Seeds for Attracting Birds this Winter

Not all birdseeds are the same, and some seeds are more popular with different bird species. Here are some of the best seeds you can use to attract birds this fall:

• Sunflower Seeds: Many birds love sunflower seeds, including cardinals, finches, and chickadees. You can find different types of sunflower seeds, like black oil sunflower seeds, which are a favorite among a variety of birds.
• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: These tiny seeds are a big hit with finches, such as goldfinches and pine siskins. You'll need a special feeder with tiny holes to hold these small seeds.
• Safflower Seeds: Safflower seeds are a great choice if you want to attract cardinals. They have a thicker shell, which squirrels don't like, so it's a good option if you have pesky squirrels around.
• Millet Seeds: Millet seeds are ideal for attracting sparrows, juncos, and doves. These seeds are small and easy for many birds to eat.
• Peanuts: Woodpeckers, blue jays, and nuthatches enjoy peanuts. You can place peanuts in a separate peanut feeder to keep them fresh.
   

Helping birds prepare for winter is a fun and caring way to connect with nature. By setting up a reliable winter bird feeder like the AutoFeeder paired with the best seeds for the season, you can attract a variety of birds to your backyard, providing them with the nourishment they need during the colder months. Plus, you get to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of our feathered friends all season long!

To learn more about the Wingscapes® Automatic Bird Feeder and other birding products, visit Wingscapes.com. If you’re looking for a complete bird watching system, we recommend the Bird Watching Bundle which includes one Wingscapes® Automatic Bird Feeder, a Motion-Activated Wingscapes Bird Camera, 16 GB SD Memory Card for Photo Storage and all Batteries required for the Feeder and Camera. Everything you need to start capturing stunning backyard bird photos!