Tips for Winter Bird Care
Winter Bird Care
As winter weather has set in, nature's supply of food for our feathered friends is sparse and in many cases not enough to sustain them. Until nature awakens in Spring, there are many practical steps we can take to help birds survive through the harsh Winter.
While natural food sources such as seeds, berries, and insects have become scarce, along with the cold and wet weather increasing the risk of diseases and parasites, providing birds with the support they need to stay healthy and safe is crucial. When birds find a reliable source of food, they will often return to the same place every day for food and water.
Here are a few tips on how to care for birds this winter
Provide a reliable source of winter bird feed.
Putting out bird feeders filled with a variety of seeds and suet is a simple but effective way to help supplement the birds' diet and provide them with the energy they need to stay warm. Remember to keep the feeders clean and filled, as dirty feeders can harbour bacteria and spread disease. You can also consider setting up a bird table or a birdbath to provide an additional source of food and water. We recommend feeds with high energy & fat content, such as the Peckish winter warmer which is packed with 9 different ingredients including Calvita® Vitamin Mix. The bird feed can be set out in the garden on hanging seed feeders, ground feeders or on bird tables.
Offer shelter.
Birds need a place to roost and escape the elements, so you could consider setting up a birdhouse in your garden. Make sure the boxes are properly sized and located in a sheltered spot to protect the birds from the cold and wet weather. Nest Boxes offer a safe and warm environment for birds such as Robins to stay and nest in. The nest box will protect robins from the elements, as well as predators. Furthermore, they also give birds a place to huddle together for warmth away from the cold.
Keep their food safe.
Squirrels, cats and other larger animals are always on the lookout for food. To help protect the bird food, hang the feeder on a branch or somewhere up high where it is difficult for other animals to reach. Some feeders will have additional layers such as a predator guard to help preserve the food for the birds who need it most. A good example is the PK Secret Garden Seed Feeder, it is designed to deter squirrels and larger birds from accessing the feeder, ensuring that food is available for smaller garden birds.
Keep your birdbath clean.
Providing a source of clean water is especially important during the winter when natural sources may be frozen. Make sure to clean and refill your birdbath regularly to prevent the water from becoming stagnant. Consider using a heated birdbath to prevent the water from freezing, or placing a floating de-icer in the bath to keep a small area of water open.
By following these tips for winter bird care, you will help ensure your garden birds stay healthy during the colder months of the year, making it safely to nature’s abundance of Spring and Summer.
See our full bird care collection here or visit us in Ballygarvan, just 2 minutes from Cork airport. Speak to our team about how you can turn your space into a more friendly environment for birds this Winter.