According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, roughly 59 million Americans feed wild birds, making it the second most popular outdoor hobby in the country, behind only gardening. It’s easy to see why. Bird feeding offers a front-row seat to the wonders of nature, providing a sense of calm and relaxation that many compare to meditation. In a world dominated by screens and constant notifications, it gives us permission to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with what’s happening right in our own backyard.
Beyond the personal benefits, bird feeding also supports local economies. A hobby enjoyed by tens of millions of people naturally creates demand for feeders, seed, and supplies, often purchased close to home. As with most rewarding hobbies, however, bird feeding comes with responsibility.
Cleanliness is essential. Feeders should be cleaned regularly, and any seed that is spilled, damp, musty, or moldy should be discarded immediately. Having multiple feeders on hand allows you to rotate them, ensuring you always have a clean one ready to go. Space your feeders out rather than clustering them together, which helps prevent the spread of disease among birds. Placing feeders at different heights also accommodates different species, as some prefer feeding near the ground, while others stay higher up.
Feeder placement matters for safety, too. Avoid positioning feeders too close to windows to reduce the risk of collisions. If you have cats, keeping them indoors, especially during morning hours when bird activity peaks, can significantly reduce stress and danger for visiting birds. And if rodents aren’t on your guest list, regularly cleaning up spilled seed beneath feeders will help discourage them.
Winter feeding requires extra care. Cold temperatures and moisture can cause seed to clump and mold, so placing feeders in a sunny spot can help keep them dry. If you ever notice mold, remove and replace the seed immediately. During winter months, birds need significantly more calories just to stay warm, sometimes burning two to three times their normal energy levels. Small birds can lose up to 10% of their body weight overnight simply maintaining body heat.
High-fat foods are especially important during colder months. Suet cakes and black oil sunflower seeds are excellent energy sources and are widely available at grocery stores, farm supply stores, and your local hardware store. Safflower seed is another great option, as squirrels, jays, and grackles tend to avoid it while many songbirds enjoy it.
Different birds have different preferences. Juncos often prefer black oil sunflower seeds scattered directly on the ground. Cardinals favor sunflower or safflower seeds in platform or hopper feeders with large trays. Downy woodpeckers are frequent visitors to suet feeders, while tufted titmice are quick to accept peanuts or peanut butter.
Food isn’t the only necessity. Birds also need water. During freezing weather, unfrozen water can be hard to find. A simple bowl of water placed out each morning can help, or you may choose to invest in a heated bird bath. As a bonus, you won’t need to worry about mosquitoes this time of year.
If you’re ready to join the millions of Americans who feed wild birds, we’re happy to help. At Randy’s Hardware, we don’t mind your questions. We don’t mind them at all.
