Winter Bird Feeding

By Pat Morse, Assistant Chief of Interpretation

Many of our feathered friends fly south for the winter in search of food, but many stay right here in Northeast Ohio. Resident birds that we see individually or in small family groups during the summer gather together in large flocks during winter as they search for food and shelter. We also see some species in the winter only—these birds nest north of us and fly south to Ohio or beyond for their winter vacations.

Here are some year-round residents that are commonly seen at backyard birdfeeders:

• Mourning dove
• Downy woodpecker
  (photo at right by Joe Bojc)
• Red-bellied woodpecker
• Blue jay
• Black-capped chickadee
• Tufted titmouse
• White-breasted nuthatch
• European starling
• Northern cardinal
• House finch
• American goldfinch
• House sparrow

Winter-only birds at your feeder:

• Red-breasted nuthatch
• American tree sparrow
• Dark-eyed junco
• Pine siskin

Some year-round birds that dine on insects during the warm months change their diets to fruit in the winter.

• Cedar waxwing
• Eastern bluebird
• American robin

These birds can be seen—often in large flocks—at natural food sources, such as crabapple trees that still have fruit. Consider planting shrubs and trees that retain their fruit into the winter.

Here are some winter bird feeding tips to help you have a successful and healthy backyard feeding station:

• Once you start feeding the birds, don’t stop during the cold season. Although there are natural foods available, birds expend a lot of extra energy looking for new food sources if your feeders go empty.
• Clean your feeders regularly. High concentrations of birds at your feeders can spread diseases quickly if they appear in the population. Disinfect feeders with soap and water and dip in a weak bleach solution (¼ cup bleach to two gallons warm water). Always rinse well and dry before refilling.
• Choose the correct bird feed for your feeder. Some feeders are suitable for sunflower seeds and mixed bird feeds, which are eaten by most birds at your feeders. Others are designed for thistle (niger) seed, which is a favorite of finches and pine siskins. Other special feeders hold suet cakes and seed logs.
• Never use grease or petroleum jelly on feeder poles to discourage squirrels and other animals from raiding your feeders. If these substances come into contact with bird feathers, they can hinder flight and are impossible for the birds to clean off. Instead, purchase or make a pole-mounted baffle to keep animals from climbing the pole.
• If you have questions about bird feed, birdfeeders or birds, please call Penitentiary Glen Nature Center at 440-256-1404 and a naturalist will be glad to help you. The Nature Store at Penitentiary Glen also features a variety of birdfeeders, field guides and other nature-related products.

Birding is a great way to stay connected to our natural world. Lake Metroparks offers some of the best birding locations in the country and encourages the growing pastime through bird walks, classes and day trips.