Homestead Habitat Festive Feeders

By Christy Caplan

As winter settles in, many of us cherish the comfort of being at home and the spirit of the holidays. Yet, beyond our windows, the birds that brighten our yards face some of the toughest months of the year.

With snow blanketing the ground and temperatures dropping, their usual food sources such as seeds, berries and insects are suddenly hard to find, making survival much more difficult.

But, we have the unique opportunity to offer a lifeline. You can support local and migrating birds through the winter holidays.

Not only does this practice provide crucial resources for our feathered friends, but it also brings a special kind of connection to the season, offering families a rewarding and meaningful way to engage with the natural world.

Feeding Basics: The Essentials for a Healthy Buffet

Winter is a season of scarcity for birds, as their natural food sources are buried under snow or frozen solid. By providing a reliable source of high-energy foods, you can help them survive the cold months while enjoying their lively presence.

From black-oil sunflower seeds to suet, the right foods can make all the difference. Equally important is ensuring access to clean, unfrozen water and placing feeders in safe, accessible locations. With a little effort, you can create a winter buffet that supports your feathered friends and brings life to your backyard.

Dr. Kathryn Dench, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins told AcreageLife that high-fat foods such as suet are the single most important dietary addition for birds in winter.

“ Fat provides the dense energy birds need to maintain body temperature through freezing nights, when they can burn through as much as 10 % of their body weight in stored energy. In practice, I often recommend suet blocks made with natural fats, peanut butter( without xylitol) or black oil sunflower seeds, all rich in calories and easy for small birds to metabolize. Offering a variety of feeders( hanging, platform and ground) helps accommodate different species, from chickadees to juncos," Dr. Dench said.

What to Serve: High-Energy Foods

Andrew and Joanne Marino, owners of The Backyard Birding Store, share that foods that are high in energy are most beneficial for backyard birds during the cold winter months

“ Two food choices that fit the bill are black oil sunflower seeds and suet. Both are high in fat, which birds depend on to survive below-freezing temperatures. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among many birds and is a versatile choice as it can be used in all types of feeders, from hoppers to tubes to trays. In my opinion, black oil sunflower seeds should be at the top of the list, given their versatility and preference by a great number of backyard birds,” Joanne Marino said.

The best high-energy foods for feeders include:

• Black-oil sunflower seeds: A universal favorite for many species.

• Nyjer( thistle) seeds: Ideal for attracting finches.

• Cracked corn, millet and peanuts: Perfect for ground-feeding birds such as juncos and sparrows.

• Suet: A critical high-fat food source that provides essential energy for staying warm.

Remember, food isn’ t the only necessity during the winter. Providing fresh, clean, unfrozen water is just as vital, as natural sources often freeze over, leaving birds with few options to hydrate.

Place a bird identification guide near your favorite window to recognize the feathered visitors to your yard.

A heated birdbath or a simple dark dish refilled daily with warm water can be a game-changer for thirsty backyard birds, offering them a welcome source for both drinking and bathing throughout the coldest days. Nothing is more enjoyable than watching birds at your bird bath in winter!

" I believe the value of the supply of a clean, unfrozen water source in the winter months cannot be overestimated by wild birds. People tend to focus on food, but fresh water is crucial for birds to drink and keep their feathers in optimal insulation,” Katie Jones, owner at Squirrel A Store of Buried

16 AcreageLife December 2025 AcreageLife. com