Birds rely on fruit, berries, seeds and bugs, which are difficult to find during the winter season. A bird’s day begins with the search for food and his/her search starts at dawn and continues until the sun sets. If a bird is able to eat enough, it will store enough energy to survive a cold winter’s night. It then starts all over for another day.
Wild birds or backyard birds depend on every seed, berry or insect it may find. With the continual decline of natural habitats, birds need our helping hands. Our feathered friends require food, fresh water, shelter from the elements and protection from predators. Yes! Hawks, falcons, cats and even bald eagles are in our state looking for their next meal.
FOOD: High energy food is important. Suet, peanuts, black oil sunflower seed and even meal works give backyard birds the high energy levels they need.
Cage feeders are designed to hold suet cakes. Tube and hopper feeders are designed to accommodate a variety of birds. Platform and peanut feeders are also available. Sneade’s Ace Home Center’s Ace Backyard Bird Centers offer all types of feeders from large, jumbo, tubular to small suet feeders.
FRESHWATER: This is the most important element to have for your outdoor birds. In the cold winter months, water can be scarce. Offer some water with a heated birdbath or put a heater in your existing birdbath. We have several types of birdbaths as well as heated birdbaths. You change to change the water daily.
SHELTER: Low shrubs and bushes offer shelter. Evergreens work wonders as a wind break and protection from snow.
PROTECTION: Feeders should be placed out in the open. Birds need to see if hawks, falcons or neighbor’s cat is around.
If your feeders are 10 to 20 feet away from trees and shrubs, squirrels are not likely to jump from them to the feeders.
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