Winter Bird Feeding 101 for Homeowners Who Care About Their Landscape
Feeding birds in winter brings your landscape to life at the quietest time of year, but it also comes with real responsibility for their health and safety. More than 50 million North Americans now put out food, offering over a million tons of seed and suet each year, so the way you manage your feeders matters. Why Feeding Birds in Winter Matters Cold weather pushes many species to rely more heavily on backyard feeding stations, especially when natural food is locked under snow or coated in ice. One long‑term study found that 133 bird species—more than half of all local species in that region—now use garden feeders during winter, which shows how influential residential yards have become. In Pennsylvania alone, experts estimate around 35 species may visit feeders in winter, with one suburban yard recording 25 species at well‑managed feeders and a heated birdbath. When you focus on feeding birds in winter in a thoughtful way, you support local wildlife while adding motion, color, and ...