The other day the seed level in my feeders was incredibly low. Actually, a few of them were empty. My mother let me know this was unacceptable and she mumbled something like “What if I didn’t feed you when you were little.” She’s a huge advocate of the avian race. Being the researching type, I sat at my laptop and did some reading on why keeping your feeders filled was so important. I thought I’d share what I found with you.

When the days get shorter and temperatures get lower it is more important than ever to fill your feeders. Insects take off in the winter and are very scarce. Birdseed becomes one of very few food sources for birds to eat.

Birds also need water, like humans, on a daily basis to remain healthy and happy. During the winter finding water sources is especially hard for birds because most ponds and rivers freeze in the frigid temperatures. After researching, I was able to find birdbaths that are built with heaters that keep water from freezing in low temperatures. Even in snowy conditions, users of these birdbaths were pleased to find feathered friends frolicking in their pools!

You can also put the water source in an area with direct sunlight, where during the day the sun is able to melt the water. If you own a Sip & Seed it would be wise to pole mount the feeder where the sun hits around 11:30. This allows for the sun to help melt the ice when temperatures are at a high. This is a cheap and easy way to help your birds get the water they need!

By keeping your yard stocked with the necessities crucial to a healthy life, birds will continue to visit you even in the coldest of months!

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I enjoy a nice fire, or a cozy blanket, or both during cold winter nights. In January, I also like putting my car heat the whole way up and pretending I’m in Florida on my drive to work. Could you imagine spending 24/7 outside during the winter? No thanks!

Birds were made for the winter, and they can survive it, but I personally like to help them out a bit!

Late November, early December is generally the time I begin to place a few birdhouses outside. I usually pick up one or two over the summer and save them until the winter to put up. This is a great time because it offers the birds a winter home and allows them to begin creating a nesting place for the spring. Placing the birdhouses facing the southwest has helped my little friends to heat their homes in the afternoon before the sun falls. I also place them away from feeding areas so that when nesting and mating begins the birds will have safe havens to keep their families.  

Additionally, I supply my yard with a few basics to help the birds furnish their homes. Keeping some leaves on the lawn creates an element for birds to move to their shelter to help keep them warm. I like to hang a clump of cotton for birds to pick at and take to their new home. This cotton comes in handy for the birds year round and often needs to be replenished two or three times a year. Birds love to use it to create nests and to add to their birdhouses.

You too, can create shelter for your birds by taking a closer look at your shrubs. Do you hate pruning and thinning them at the start of winter? Do you really care if they look a little less polished? You don’t? PERFECT! By not pruning your shrubs you are able to keep a habitat that offers great protection from the elements and predators for birds. The closely packed greenery allows little nooks for birds to nestle in during windy days and snowy nights.

Whether you go hog wild buying birdhouses or do little to maintain your shrubs, the birds visiting your backyard will be grateful! Keeping your property prepped for a feathered friend’s stay in winter will keep your visitors coming back for more!

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This week's prize was a hot item! Congratulations to Josh for being randomly selected. Please join us again next week for another chance to win a wonderful feeder from Perky-Pet!

Thank you for visiting our Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This week we are featuring the Avant™ Garden Fairy Dust Hummingbird Feeder, which is a great addition to any yard or garden! We can't wait to see everyone's comments!

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