Helping Garden Birds in Winter
Winter can be a very difficult season for birds. The weather is cold, the days are short, and food is hard to find. But there are many simple things you can do to help birds survive during this time.
One of the best ways to help is by providing food. Birds use a lot of energy to stay warm, so they need high-energy food. You can give them seeds, peanuts (unsalted), sunflower hearts, and suet balls. You can buy these in most garden or pet shops. It’s important to put the food in a bird feeder or on a clean surface. Try to feed them regularly, especially after it snows or during a freeze.
Water is also very important. Birds need it for drinking and cleaning their feathers. In winter, water can freeze quickly. You can help by putting out a shallow dish of fresh water and checking it every day to make sure it hasn’t turned to ice.
Birds also need shelter. If you have trees, bushes, or hedges in your garden, leave them in place during winter. You can also hang birdhouses or nest boxes. These help birds stay warm and safe at night or during bad weather.
Helping birds in winter is a great way to connect with nature. It also brings more life to your garden, and you can enjoy watching birds visit every day.
Why do birds need extra food in winter?
Because they sleep more
Because they use more energy to stay warm
Because they fly longer distances
Because they are building nests