WINTER BIRD FEEDING TIPS EDITED

Life on the Great Plains can be harsh even with climate controls that we enjoy in our homes to provide us relief from the weather extremes. Temperatures out here in middle America can soar over 110 degrees for days on end in the summer. And winter can bring weeks of near zero temperatures with the windchill surpassing minus 30 degrees. Blistering heat and sub-arctic cold is a way of life in the Great Plaines.

It’s been a beautiful autumn as trees reveal the true colors of their leaves as photosynthesis has shut down for the winter. That, along with Friday’s bitter cold weather, is only another wake-up call along with shorter days that winter is fast approaching. Although the birds started making their preparations by the end of August, it takes a real cold snap to convince us we need to get ready as well. Feeding birds during the winter can be very beneficial. We offer the birds a supplemental source of food to provide much needed energy and warmth. In return, they entertain us and ward off cabin fever while we enjoy a hot coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and watch them.

So we need not just to prepare ourselves for the coming cold, but get things ready for the birds as well. Here’s a few articles to help you get ready for winter bird feeding:

PREPARING FOR WINTER BIRD FEEDING

A GUIDE ON WINTER BIRD FEEDING

If you are thinking about adding a new bird feeder to your backyard bird feeding program, here is an article to help you select. Using this guide you can select the bird species you’d like to attract, the style of bird feeder they prefer, and the kind of wild bird feed they enjoy dining on.

BIRD FEEDER AND WILD BIRD FEED GUIDE

And if you want more in-depth information on the seven basic backyard bird feeders for a complete backyard bird feeding program check out our article:

SEVEN BASIC BACKYARD BIRD FEEDERS

And consider the importance of easily accessible fresh open water when the temperatures dip below freezing. It’s said you can attract more birds with open water during the winter than bird feed alone. Find out more at:

WATER IN WINTER IS FOR THE BIRDS