

Temperatures are dropping and winter is a quiet time in nature, with trees bare and flowers long gone. However, if you look closely, your backyard is still full of life, and it’s time to enjoy the winter birds. Birdwatching during the colder months not only brightens up winter but it is also the perfect opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful and calming way.

1. Feeders, Water, Shelter
Welcome winter birds to your yard with a few basics. Think of it like inviting your friends over for afternoon coffee! Just as we crave warmth and food (hello cookies!) during the colder months, birds also need reliable sources of nourishment and shelter.
Bird Feeders: There are many different types of feeders. We have handmade open feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders, and a bird feeder with a camera that captures photos and videos that we can view on an app on our phone. So much fun!

No matter what type of feeder you choose, fill your feeders with high-energy foods that help birds survive the cold, like black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts. Seed mixes that contain a good mix will attract several different birds to your feeders.

Even in winter, birds need fresh water to drink and bathe to stay healthy. If water freezes where you live, add a solar fountain pump, a heated birdbath, or a shallow dish of water in a safe location.
Birds can survive the cold, but they also need places to shelter from harsh winds and snow. You can plant evergreen shrubs, vines, or even install birdhouses to give birds a place to rest. We have a few handmade bird houses and a couple of cute ones too!
2. Winter Birds to Watch For
In winter, you’ll be able to observe a different group of bird species than you might see in warmer months. Some of the most common winter birds that migrate or remain in colder climates include:
Chickadees: These small, plucky birds are easy to spot due to their distinctive black-capped heads and cheerful calls. Chickadees love suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Northern Cardinals: With their vibrant red plumage, cardinals add a splash of color against a snowy backdrop. Males are especially bright, while females sport a more muted, yet still striking, reddish hue.
Woodpeckers: Downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, and red-bellied woodpeckers are common winter visitors. These birds enjoy suet, which provides them with the energy they need to stay warm.
Finches: Pine siskins, goldfinches, and other finches may visit your feeders in winter. Goldfinches, known for their yellow plumage, may even molt into a more subdued brownish color in winter, but their lively behavior remains a delight to watch.
Nuthatches: With their distinctive upside-down climbing style, nuthatches can often be seen maneuvering along tree trunks and feeding on seeds, suet, and insects.

3. Create a Cozy Birdwatching Spot
Once your backyard is set up for the birds, make sure you have a comfortable spot for yourself to enjoy the show. Create a little “birdwatching nook” for yourself with a comfy chair, blanket, hot cocoa, and a field guide to help you identify the species that visit.
Birdwatching can be a meditative and peaceful escape from daily life. Winter’s quiet beauty combined with the lively, and often humorous, antics of backyard birds is perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
4. Take Notes
You might even want keep a journal to track which species visit, when they arrive, and what they seem to prefer in terms of food and shelter. It’s also fun to doodle in your journal to see where inspiration and your creativity takes you!
By providing food, water, and shelter in your backyard, you help support these amazing creatures through the winter months.
Whether you bundle up and head outside to your backyard or sit in a cozy chair peering out of the window, you will enjoy the lively world of winter birds right outside your door. The colorful visitors will make your winter season brighter and joyful!
Get your kids involved in the wonder of bird watching with this birdhouse Lego set!