(Photo and article by Grace McCulloch)

The joy of bird feeding and the arrival of colder weather are inextricably linked. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying it for the first time, bird feeding offers a delightful way to enjoy our feathered friends and experience the diverse wildlife that winters in New Hampshire. It’s also an accessible hobby enjoyed across generations, bringing people of all ages closer to nature.

Getting Started: Bird feeding begins with knowing what birds you’d like to attract and planning accordingly.

Start by considering which birds you’d like to see at your feeder (within reason—a flamingo would be wishful thinking!) A simple tube feeder is a great way to start. Black-oiled sunflower seeds are a favorite of many species, including cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers.
Different birds prefer different feeding heights and types of food. For example:

• Ground feeders: Dark-eyed Juncos and Mourning Doves prefer to feed on the ground or on a platform feeder.
• Tree and Shrub feeders: Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice prefer feeding in trees. Hang a tube feeder or a suet feeder.

Having a variety of feeders at different heights can help attract a wider range of birds. You can also offer different types of food to increase diversity. As you get familiar with bird feeding, you’ll discover popular options like millet (for juncos and sparrows), Nyjer/thistle (for redpolls and goldfinches), and peanuts (for nuthatches, Blue Jays, and more). Few species eat the milo, wheat, or oats added to some feed mixes—though they tend to be cheaper. In colder weather, try adding a suet feeder for woodpeckers. To attract waxwings, bluebirds, and robins, who rarely eat seed, soak raisins or other fruits (for at least 30 minutes) and place them on a platform feeder. Bluebirds also love dried mealworms placed on a feeding platform.

Pro Tip: Using separate feeders for different seeds can help reduce waste. If birds toss seeds out searching for their favorite, grouping them by type can help birds find the perfect feed without overcrowding.

Place Your Feeder in a Safe Spot: Feeder placement is important for bird safety. Position your feeder within 3 feet of a window or at least 10 feet away. This minimizes the risk of window collisions, as birds either stay close enough that impact won’t be fatal or far enough to avoid collisions. There are also many ways to make your windows more bird-friendly, in general. Here is a link to learn more about reducing window collisions.

Cleaning Your Feeder: Regular cleaning (twice a month) keeps your feeder safe for birds. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water, and let it air dry before refilling. This reduces the spread of disease. If there’s a disease outbreak in your area or you notice sick birds, temporarily remove your feeders so birds return to natural food sources, helping to limit disease spread.

Keep Cats Indoors: Outdoor cats pose a threat to birds, even if they are well-fed. Indoor cats tend to live longer and healthier lives, so keeping them inside benefits both cats and birds. Bird feeders can offer hours of safe entertainment for your cat from the comfort of your home!

Be Bear Aware: New Hampshire Fish and Game designates bird feeding season from December 1st to April 1st for a good reason: hungry bears often seek out bird feeders, and their presence can lead to conflicts. If a bear becomes too accustomed to humans, the bear may sadly need to be euthanized. As climate change affects hibernation timing, bring in feeders as soon as the weather turns “spring-like” to help protect these beautiful creatures. Be cautious when setting up feeders at the start of winter too, ensuring the weather is truly “winter-like”.

Support Birds Year-Round: There are many ways to support (and enjoy) birds year-round. Bird baths are a wonderful way to provide a source of water, especially during spring migration, when warblers and other birds may stop by. Planting native shrubs, trees, and flowers provides food and habitat year-round. Winterberry, for example, offers berries that last into winter. You can also attract hummingbirds in the summer with a feeder or orioles (and others) with halved orange slices during migration.

Share Your Sightings: Consider joining eBird to share your sightings with the birding community. This participatory science platform allows you to connect with other bird enthusiasts. We’d also love for you to participate in NH Audubon’s Backyard Winter Bird Survey on February 8th and 9th. This wonderful weekend allows NH biologists to get a glimpse at NH winter bird populations. Visit this webpage for more details!

One of the greatest rewards of bird feeding isn’t for the birds, but for us. Enjoy!