Don’t take your bird feeder down in the winter. In fact, winter is one of the most important times to keep it up.
During cold months, natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries become scarce. Your feeder can be a critical lifeline for local birds, helping them survive freezing temperatures and snow-covered landscapes.
Why Keep Your Bird Feeder Up in Winter?
- Birds need extra energy in winter. High-fat and high-protein foods help birds maintain body heat and survive longer nights.
- You support local bird populations. Feeding birds through the winter helps species like chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers, and finches make it to spring.
- Winter birdwatching is rewarding. With leaves gone and snow on the ground, birds are easier to spot and observe.
Winter Bird Feeder Maintenance Tips
Keeping feeders clean and accessible in winter is key:
- Clean every 2 weeks using warm water and a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Dry thoroughly.
- Clear snow and ice from feeding ports and perches after storms.
- Keep seed dry by using weather guards or covered feeders.
- Refill frequently, especially after snow or wind.
Pro tip: Place feeders near evergreen trees or shrubs to shelter birds from wind and predators.
Bear Country Warning
If you live in an area where bears remain active during winter (e.g., warmer or lower-altitude regions), you may need to take your feeder down temporarily. Birdseed can attract bears and create dangerous situations.