This time of year, I watch the birds. I also feed them. Most of the birds that winter in Virginia are seed eaters. Some seeds are better than others, however. Seeds and nuts with a higher fat content are best for winter feeding—black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts, for example.
What to Offer Your Feathered Friends and What to Avoid
Birdseed mixes that you can buy are readily available but read the ingredient label and try to avoid too many fillers like red millet, milo, and wheat. According to the Audubon Society, the best mixes should contain black oil sunflower seeds, white millet, cracked corn and/or peanut bits. And don’t forget black thistle seed (Niger) to attract goldfinches.
Suet, rendered beef fat, is a great energy source. You can buy prepared suet cakes or make your own and add birdseed, chopped peanuts, etc. Ask the meat department at your local grocery store if they have leftover beef fat trimmings you can “melt” down. Here is a suet cake recipe from the Audubon Society:
- 1 ½ cup palm oil-free shortening or melted beef fat
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups birdseed
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup cornmeal
Melt shortening and peanut butter together and pour over dry ingredients. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. This is best for winter feeding—do not use when temps are over 50, however, as the fat can go rancid.
Birds Love Fruit!
Birds enjoy the moisture content and vitamins they find in various fruits so place aluminum pans filled with chopped fruit—even chopped raisins that have been soaked in water first. Fruit will attract a wider variety of birds. If buying conventionally grown fruit, wash it carefully or buy organic to minimize pesticide residues.
No Bird Feeder? No Problem!
You can smear peanut butter on a tree trunk and press peanut bits or cracked corn into it. I have done that. The woodpeckers loved it.
If you’re thinking long term bird-feeding, there are trees and shrubs like winterberry holly, hawthorns, American Beautyberry, Inkberry, Wax Myrtles, Sweet Bay Magnolia or viburnums which have winter fruit/berries.
Remember the Water!
A ready water source—a heated birdbath or pond with running water—is very important over winter. Birds need water in winter as much as in summer, but it can be harder to find. Not only are we not watering our lawns or gardens, but most available water is frozen during cold spells.
Share Your Bird Feeding Secrets!
Is there anything you’ve put out for your birds and had them go nuts for? Let me know in the comments below.
Hi, can you tell me what to use instead of Palm Oil for shortening? Thank you
Hi Michelle–you don’t want to use palm oil–the directions actually say palm oil-free. So just use a shortening that does NOT contain palm oil and you’ll be fine!
I’ll be making my suet cakes soon–maybe see if one of the grand kids wants to help…..
My backyard has a few Bird Feeders, but I guess they are not very good at attracting birds during winter. Appling peanut butter on a tree is a creative way; I’ll try this and see if it attracts any woodpeckers.
My backyard has a few Bird Feeders, but I guess they are not very good at attracting birds during winter. Appling peanut butter on a tree is a creative way; I’ll try this and see if it attracts any woodpeckers.