This One’s For The Birds: How To Help Feathered Friends Through A Cold Winter

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Many of us imagine that all birds migrate south for the winter to spend these cold months basking in the warm sun like a group of retirees. But not all species of birds are migratory. In fact, hundreds of species winter in Maryland alongside us.

Yes, birds have been doing this for potentially thousands of years. But human development and movement put pressure on the birds’ environment, patterns and survival skills. While humans should always minimize — or eliminate — their interference with nature, there are some key things we can do to ease the threats of winter to our birds.

Provide Safe Foods

Winter can be challenging for birds because their natural food sources are more limited. The cold means their bodies are working extra hard to stay warm and functional, and they need more food to support them. If you have a bird feeder, you’ll probably have to refill it daily. If you’re able to have several around your property that offer different foods, it’ll help the most birds possible.

Black oil sunflower seeds are a good versatile food for birds, but they also appreciate millet, safflower seed and thistle. Suet blocks are also a great idea, since they’re pure fat and have essential nutrients for keeping warm. Many species also appreciate peanuts and fruit — just make sure to remove any large seeds or pits, as they can be toxic.

Remember, bread is basically junk food for birds. It’s better than nothing but offers very little nutritional value when birds need it most.

Make Fresh Water Available

Birds need water for two reasons: to drink and to bathe. Fresh water is a bird need that’s often overlooked by bird enthusiasts who faithfully stock their feeders with seeds. To provide water for birds, put it in a shallow dish, 1 to 3 inches deep, with rocks or sand on the side for gripping. Put the dish in an easily accessible place in the shade.

Bird baths can be a little tricky in the winter. You can buy a heated bird bath (and the birds would thank you), but if that’s not possible, use shallow water and place it in full sun to avoid freezing. You can also put it on dark rocks or a black liner to help it absorb the most sun.

If you can do a winter bird bath, it is a huge help to the birds. Their feathers provide insulation and protection from the rain and snow. They need to keep them clean in order to work properly and provide the birds with the survival help they need.

Add Shelter Options

If you have birdhouses, leave them up for the winter. The birds will find them and bring in what they need to make it nice and cozy inside. A birdhouse could be a lifesaver to multiple birds when temperatures drop during cold snaps or storms. They can also serve as a refuge from hungry nighttime winter predators, like foxes. Experts suggest cleaning the birdhouses before winter begins to stop the spread of any diseases among birds.

Depending on your property, you can even do a little extra for the birds by creating a natural shelter. Birds love thick growth, like evergreens and shrubs, and take shelter under the thick branches. They create a warm, natural shelter.

You can learn more about birds in Southern Maryland by visiting each county’s birding page. Hopefully, the birds appreciate your efforts and you get to spend quality time observing them this winter.

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