Feeding winter birds in New Mexico can be a rewarding experience for both the birds and the people who feed them. With over 30 bird species in the state, including Gambel Quail, doves, Canyon Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, and Sandhill Cranes, there is no shortage of feathered friends to attract to your backyard.
When it comes to feeding winter birds in New Mexico, black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice, as they attract a wide variety of birds, and are relatively easy to clean up. If you’re looking to attract specific species, however, you may want to consider other options, such as milo or millet mixed with black sunflower seeds. Additionally, providing suet or high-fat foods can be beneficial to birds during the winter months, as they require more energy to stay warm.
It’s important to remember that feeding winter birds should be done responsibly, and with the birds’ best interests in mind. Avoid feeding birds bread or other human foods, as they can be harmful to their health. Additionally, make sure to keep your feeding area clean and free of debris, as this can help prevent the spread of disease among birds. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your winter bird feeding efforts are both enjoyable and beneficial for all involved.
Identifying Winter Birds in New Mexico
When feeding winter birds in New Mexico, it is important to be able to identify the different species that may visit your feeders. Here are some tips to help you identify the birds you may see:
Bird Identification
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a common winter bird in New Mexico. They are small, ground-feeding sparrows that are often seen hopping around on the ground. They have a dark grey head and neck, a white belly, and a pinkish-brown back.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a bright yellow bird that is commonly seen at feeders in New Mexico during the winter months. They have a black cap and wings with white wing bars. The female is a duller yellow color.
White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow that is easily identified by its distinct black and white striped head. They also have a grey breast and brown back.
Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a small, brown and grey bird with streaks on its breast. They are often seen hopping around on the ground and have a distinctive song.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a tiny, olive-green bird with a bright red crown that is often hidden. They are very active and are often seen flitting around in trees and bushes.
Canyon Towhee
The Canyon Towhee is a large, ground-feeding sparrow with a rust-colored back and a black head. They have a distinctive white patch on their wings.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized bird with a grey back and white belly. They have a long tail and a distinctive white patch on their wings. They are known for their ability to mimic other bird songs.
Steller’s Jay
The Steller’s Jay is a large, blue and black bird with a distinctive crest on its head. They are often seen at feeders and are known for their loud calls.
In addition to these birds, there are many other species that may visit your feeders during the winter months in New Mexico. By learning to identify the different species, you can better appreciate the diversity of birds that visit your backyard.
Feeding Winter Birds in Your Backyard
Winter is a challenging time for birds as they have to cope with harsh weather conditions and limited food sources. Feeding birds in your backyard during winter can provide them with the necessary energy to survive the cold months. Here are some tips to help you feed winter birds in your backyard.
Types of Food for Winter Birds
Different birds have different dietary needs. Offering a variety of foods can attract a diverse range of birds to your backyard. Here are some types of food that you can offer to winter birds:
- Suet: Suet is a high-energy food that is perfect for winter birds. You can offer suet cakes or blocks that contain seeds, nuts, and fruits.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a great source of protein and fat for birds. You can smear it on pine cones, tree bark, or mix it with other foods.
- Fruits: Offer fruits such as pears and apples that are cut into small pieces. These fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals for birds.
- Seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds, milo, millet, and nyjer seed are excellent sources of energy for birds. You can offer these seeds in hopper or tube feeders.
- Nuts: Nuts such as peanuts and peanut hearts are high in fat and protein. You can offer these nuts in mesh feeders.
- Mealworms: Mealworms are a good source of protein for birds such as bluebirds and chickadees.
Bird Feeders
Bird feeders are an excellent way to attract birds to your backyard. Here are some types of bird feeders that you can use:
- Hopper Feeders: Hopper feeders are designed to hold larger seeds such as sunflower seeds and millet.
- Tube Feeders: Tube feeders are designed to hold smaller seeds such as nyjer seed and millet.
- Mesh Feeders: Mesh feeders are designed to hold nuts such as peanuts and peanut hearts.
- Suet Feeders: Suet feeders are designed to hold suet cakes or blocks.
Make sure to clean your bird feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Bird Bath
Birds need water to drink and bathe even during winter. You can provide birds with fresh water by installing a bird bath. Here are some tips for maintaining a bird bath during winter:
- Keep the water level low to prevent the bird bath from freezing.
- Use a heater to keep the water from freezing.
- Clean the bird bath regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
In addition to providing food and water, you can also create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard by planting trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.
Feeding winter birds in your backyard can be a rewarding experience. By offering a variety of foods and maintaining a clean and safe environment, you can attract a diverse range of birds to your backyard during winter.
Guides to feeding birds in other local states:
- Winter Bird Feeding in Montana
- Winter Bird Feeding in Wyoming
- Winter Bird Feeding in Utah
- Winter Bird Feeding in Colorado
- Winter Bird Feeding in Arizona
- Winter Bird Feeding in New Mexico
Common Winter Bird Species in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to a wide variety of bird species, many of which can be seen during the winter months. Here are some of the most common winter bird species in New Mexico:
Western Bluebird
Western Bluebirds are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and meadows, and can often be seen perched on fence posts or tree branches.
Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows are small, brownish birds that are often found in flocks during the winter months. They are commonly seen in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive “chipping” call.
Canyon Towhee
Canyon Towhees are large, ground-dwelling birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in rocky canyons and arid desert regions, and are known for their distinctive rust-colored plumage.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive yellow plumage.
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in desert regions and are known for their distinctive black chin.
Lesser Goldfinch
Lesser Goldfinches are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive yellow plumage.
Dark-Eyed Junco
Dark-Eyed Juncos are small, grayish birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive white belly.
House Finch
House Finches are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive red plumage.
Spotted Towhee
Spotted Towhees are large, ground-dwelling birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive spotted plumage.
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbirds are medium-sized, grayish birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive mimicking calls.
Steller’s Jay
Steller’s Jays are large, blue and black birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in forested areas and are known for their distinctive crest.
Bluebirds
Bluebirds are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive blue plumage.
Bushtit
Bushtits are small, grayish birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive small size and active behavior.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warblers are small, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive yellow rump.
White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Breasted Nuthatches are small, grayish birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive upside-down feeding behavior.
Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals are medium-sized, brightly colored birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in open woodlands and fields, and are known for their distinctive red plumage.
Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s Quail are ground-dwelling birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in desert regions and are known for their distinctive topknot.
Downy Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpeckers are small, black and white birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in forested areas and are known for their distinctive drumming behavior.
Hairy Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized, black and white birds that are common in New Mexico during the winter months. They are typically found in forested areas and are known for their distinctive drumming behavior.
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers are medium-sized, brownish birds that are common in
Best Locations for Birding in New Mexico
New Mexico is a paradise for birdwatchers, with diverse habitats that support a wide variety of species. Here are some of the best locations for birding in New Mexico:
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is the most famous birding site in New Mexico, and for good reason. Tens of thousands of wintering Snow and Ross’s geese and Sandhill Cranes make this refuge their home from November through February, creating a spectacle that draws birdwatchers from around the world. In addition to these charismatic species, Bosque del Apache also supports a diverse array of waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, and more. There are several trails and observation points throughout the refuge, making it easy to explore and observe the wildlife.
Grasslands
New Mexico’s grasslands are another great location for birding. The vast expanses of open grassland provide habitat for a variety of species, including prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows, and lark buntings. The shortgrass prairies of northeastern New Mexico are particularly rich in birdlife, and are home to several species that are rare or declining elsewhere in the state.
Festival of the Cranes
The Festival of the Cranes is an annual event held in November at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The festival celebrates the arrival of the Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds, and features a variety of activities, including guided bird walks, lectures, and workshops. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the birds of New Mexico and to meet other birdwatchers.
Overall, New Mexico is a fantastic destination for birding, with a rich diversity of habitats and species. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, there’s something for everyone in New Mexico’s birding hotspots.
Tips for Bird Feeding in Winter
Feeding birds in winter is a great way to help them survive the cold months when food is scarce. Here are some tips to make the most of your bird feeding efforts:
Choose the Right Bird Feeders
Different bird species have different feeding habits, so it’s important to choose the right type of feeder for the birds you want to attract. Tube feeders are great for small birds like finches and chickadees, while hopper feeders are better for larger birds like jays and cardinals. Platform feeders are ideal for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and juncos.
Keep the Feeders Clean
Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and mold that can make birds sick. Clean your feeders regularly with a diluted bleach solution, rinse them thoroughly, and let them dry before refilling them with bird feed. Also, keep the ground below the feeders clean of hulls and other debris.
Provide Fresh Water
Birds need water to drink and bathe in, even in winter. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, consider using a heated birdbath or adding a de-icer to your existing birdbath to prevent the water from freezing.
Protect Birds from Cats
Cats are a major predator of birds, so it’s important to keep them away from your feeding area. Place your feeders at least 10 feet away from any places where cats can hide, such as bushes or trees. You can also use a cat deterrent, such as a motion-activated sprinkler, to keep cats away.
Avoid Fire Hazards
Bird feeders can be a fire hazard if they are placed too close to buildings or other flammable objects. Make sure your feeders are at least 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials.
Plant Native Plants
Native plants provide birds with natural sources of food and shelter. Consider planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers in your yard to attract more birds and provide them with the resources they need to survive the winter.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the birds in your area have access to the food and water they need to survive the winter months.
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