Help Birds Survive Winter
Birds rely on a variety of clever adaptations to survive winter, even in places where temperatures stay relatively warm. By understanding how they survive, you'll gain a new appreciation for the resilience happening just outside your window.
Did You Know?
- Birds need energy-rich foods to stay warm through the season's longer hours of darkness. Foods high in fat and protein, such as Winter SuperBlend®, Jim's Birdacious® Bark Butter® or SuperSuet®, fuel their fast metabolisms and provide the energy they need.
- Birds continue searching for insects, even when the temperature drops. Watch your yard for birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers probing tree bark for dormant insects and eggs.
- Backyard feeding complements nature. Bird feeders provide a reliable food source, especially during winter weather that makes natural food harder to find. Native plants, shelter, fresh water, and feeders work together to create a habitat that helps birds thrive throughout the winter.
- Feathers are a bird's winter coat. Birds fluff their feathers to trap pockets of warm air, creating natural insulation.
- Access to fresh water is just as important as food. Birds need water year-round for drinking and feather care. Even a small source of water can become a popular stop, supporting survival.
As the winter season passes, keep your feeders filled and a source of water available in your yard. Watching the activity brings its own kind of comfort, and your efforts help birds weather the season, too!