Winter bird feeding offers simple way to enjoy nature outdoors

Hello Coshocton County! While winter might encourage us to stay indoors, there are still plenty of ways to remain active outside. Feeding birds during these winter months is a good way to not only get some fresh air but to support wildlife and enjoy nature.

Whether you are already feeding birds or wanting to get started feeding birds, here are a few helpful tips.

Check out the variety of feeder types. Bird feeders are not “one size fits all” and different species are attracted to different designs. It is important to find the feeder that works great for your home and the species you are trying to attract. Here are a few popular options:

Tray or Platform Feeders: Open, flat feeders that attract the widest variety of birds. They require a squirrel baffle and work best with a removable screened bottom to keep seed dry. Attracts: towhees, juncos, sparrows

Hopper Feeders: House‑shaped feeders that keep seed dry and hold several days’ worth. They need regular cleaning to prevent mold and benefit from a squirrel baffle. Attracts: cardinals, jays, doves

Tube Feeders: Long, cylindrical feeders that keep seed mostly clean and dry. Different perch placements attract different species. Check the bottom for moisture buildup. Attracts: finches, titmice, chickadees

Suet Feeders: Wire mesh cages that hold suet cakes. Easy to mount on poles, trees, or other feeders. Attracts: nearly all bird species

Window Feeders: Feeders that attach directly to windows with suction cups. They offer close‑up viewing but require daily cleaning and are safest on smaller windows. Attracts: finches, chickadees, titmice, some sparrows

Nyjer Feeders: Slim feeders with tiny ports or fine mesh designed for Nyjer seed. Use small amounts to prevent spoilage, especially in wet weather. Attracts: American goldfinches, pine siskins

Know what their favorite food is. Similar to people, birds have preferences when it comes to their food. Depending on what species you have or what you would like to attract, you can choose the correct feed to put out on your feeder. Species like cardinals and finches like black-oil sunflower seeds and fruit can attract many species like bluebirds and robins. To learn more about the different types of food for birds, check out feederwatch.org.

Now that you have your feeder and food for the birds, feeder placement is the next step in your bird feeding journey. Place your feeders in a quiet area where they are easy to see and convenient to refill. Finding a location that is close to natural cover such as trees or shrubs can offer a hiding spot for birds while they wait their turn to eat. Also choosing a location that is distant from any predators can create an enjoyable experience for the birds.

Speaking of predators, it is important to know what could scare your birds from their feeders and eat all the food you have put out for the birds or even chose the bird as their meal. Some common feeder visitors are squirrels, hawks, outside cats, and other mammals such as raccoons or deer.

Some other tips to keep in mind is to keep your feeding environment safe is to clean your feeder once every two weeks. This can prevent the food getting moldy and to keep bird droppings from being consumed. Keeping the area below the feeder clean can also eliminate birds getting ill and other outside animals as well. It can also prevent the attraction of unwanted predators.

I hope these tips help you continue your bird feeding or start your bird feeding journey. To learn more about bird feeding and how you can record your birds at your feeders, check out feederwatch.org. Have a great and safe day and stay warm!