February is National Bird Feeding Month, the perfect time to care for our feathered friends as they face the scarcity of winter. At Bob’s Garden Center, we’re here to help you attract and nurture local birds with high-quality food, feeders, birdhouses, and accessories. Here’s your guide to creating a winter haven for birds, helping them stay warm, well-fed, and thriving through the colder months.

1. Choose the Right Winter Foods: High-Fat, High-Energy

In winter, birds need extra energy to keep warm, so providing nutrient-dense food is essential. Here’s what to stock up on:

• Suet: Suet cakes are packed with fat, making them an excellent energy source for birds in cold weather. Our suet comes in various flavors with added seeds, nuts, or berries to appeal to different bird species.
• Peanuts: Whole or shelled peanuts are a favorite for birds like woodpeckers, jays, and chickadees. Rich in protein and fat, peanuts provide long-lasting energy.
• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are popular among a wide variety of birds and have a high fat content, perfect for keeping birds warm in winter. They’re also easy to eat, even for smaller birds.
• Nyjer Seed: Nyjer seeds are tiny but high in calories, making them a great choice for finches and other small birds. A Nyjer feeder with small holes can help ensure that these lightweight seeds don’t spill out too quickly.
• Winter Seed Mixes: Bob’s Garden Center offers custom winter bird seed blends with the perfect mix of high-energy foods to attract a variety of birds to your yard.

2. Keep Feeders Full and Accessible

With food supplies limited in winter, your feeders will quickly become a hotspot for hungry birds. Consistent feeding can help them survive harsh weather conditions:

• Fill Regularly: Keep feeders stocked and monitor them daily, especially after snowstorms or heavy winds that may make food scarce or cover natural food sources.
• Place Feeders Strategically: Place feeders in locations sheltered from wind and out of reach of predators. Situating feeders near shrubs or trees gives birds a safe place to perch between feeding sessions.
• Multiple Feeders for Different Birds: Different birds prefer different types of feeders. Hopper feeders are ideal for larger birds, tube feeders attract smaller songbirds, and suet feeders are perfect for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

3. Provide a Fresh Source of Water

In winter, natural water sources may freeze, making it challenging for birds to stay hydrated. A water source in your yard can be a lifesaver:

• Use a Birdbath Heater: A heated birdbath or birdbath heater keeps water from freezing, providing birds with essential hydration. Bob’s Garden Center has birdbath heaters that are safe and effective for winter use.
• Keep Water Clean: Clean the birdbath regularly to prevent algae and bacteria growth, which can harm birds. Be sure to change the water frequently to keep it fresh.
• Provide Shallow Water: Ensure the water depth is no more than an inch or two so that smaller birds can safely drink and bathe without the risk of drowning.

4. Offer Shelter with Birdhouses and Nesting Boxes

Providing shelter not only gives birds a place to roost overnight, but also protects them from cold winds and predators:

• Birdhouses and Roosting Boxes: Set up birdhouses or roosting boxes to provide a safe, warm place for birds to rest. In winter, roosting boxes with multiple perches allow several birds to shelter together and conserve heat.
• Choose Insulated Options: Some birdhouses are specially designed for winter use, with thicker walls to offer more insulation.
• Place Near Food Sources: Place houses near feeders to minimize birds’ travel distance in cold weather, helping them conserve energy.

5. Keep the Area Clean

Regular cleaning of your bird feeding area helps maintain a healthy environment, keeping birds safe from disease:

• Clean Feeders and Birdbaths: Every two weeks, clean feeders and birdbaths with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill any bacteria. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with food or water.
• Clear Ground Debris: Old seed hulls and droppings beneath feeders can harbor mold or attract pests. Rake the area regularly to keep it clean and discourage unwanted visitors.

Visit Bob’s Garden Center for All Your Birding Essentials

Whether you’re a longtime birder or new to the hobby, Bob’s Garden Center in Egg Harbor Township has everything you need to get started with winter bird feeding. Our staff can help you choose the right food, feeders, birdbaths, and houses to attract a variety of local birds and keep them healthy all season. Visit us in South Jersey to find everything you need to make this February a successful Bird Feeding Month!

Supporting birds in winter is a wonderful way to help your local ecosystem while bringing life and color to your garden. So, let’s prepare together, and give our feathered friends a warm and welcoming space this season. Happy birding!