Before winter many birds leave the Northwoods for their southern homes, because some how they know harsh conditions are on the way. Then there are other birds that forgo the trip south and adapt to our Northwood winters. As winter approaches, the birds that remain north adapt by replacing their outer feathers that repel water to stay dry and produce heavier under plumage for warmth. But be it summer or winter, all animals need food and water to survive, and this is why feeding our feathered friends during this time of year is so important. Add snow to the freezing temperatures and their essential food that they had during the summer is greatly reduced.

Needless to say, feeding birds gives our feathered friends a lifeline to make it through a long winter. By suppling seed, birds will not waste needed energy looking for the food that fuels their survival. So, what kind of bird seed should you buy? Google what is the best bird seed to use and there are so many companies that offer wild bird seed it’s hard to pick one. That being said, I would suggest SHELLED SUNFLOWER HEARTS and mixed BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER seeds are the best. Without the shells, (shelled sunflower seeds) are easier for birds to eat, but the shelled black oil sunflower seeds will protect the seed from rain and snow.

Personally, we have both seeds in two feeders and there are days one will out produce the other, but I would say it equals out. We also have a caged SUET that woodpeckers peck on all day. To give these white, black (FEMALE) and red head (MALE) birds a real treat, spread peanut butter over the suet and watch what happens. Here are a few tips that Monica and I have learned on feeding winter birds. 1) Putting bird seed on the ground could entice unwanted wildlife and will become covered with snow. 2) Platform feeders with or without a cover can accumulate snow, but covered feeders work better. 3) The higher you hang your bird feeders the better. Deer love sunflower seeds too and WILL destroy any type of bird feeder. 4) Tube feeders work the best. 5) Buy a squirrel deterrent cone to attach to the poll under the feeders.

WITH ALL THE LAKES AND PONDS FROZEN, FOR HYDRATION, WATER IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS SEED
If you want to use your summer bird bath, some say putting a floating ball in the water will work.
The premise is wind will keep the ball moving and the water will not freeze. This DOES NOT WORK.
If you chose to have open water for birds, there are heated bird baths for around $40 or so, installing
a heater to summer bird baths works well and most of those cost under $30. There is basically, no
maintenance on them except adding water. I have read heated bird baths should be emptied and cleaned
every 3 days. I also read bleach should be used to kill any bacteria. I would NOT DO THIS or add any
salt or chemicals to the water that could harm birds. Someone asked me if birds take a bath in the winter.
Monica and I have seen birds sitting on the side of our heated bird bath drinking but even though the
water is warm, we never saw a bird going in the water. I’m sure birds know if they get wet in freezing weather,
they will not be able to fly. If this is something you are concerned about, you could cover the bird bath with
a BBQ grate. I can tell you; deer need water too and because of the deer near the house, our bird bath is
empty every morning.

  THEY NEED AND DRINK WATER TOO