Winter is a challenging time for backyard birds in Washington State, as food sources become scarce and the harsh weather conditions make it difficult for them to survive. As a bird lover, you can help them survive the winter by providing them with the right food and shelter. Feeding winter birds is a rewarding activity that can bring joy and entertainment to your backyard while also helping to support the local ecosystem.
When feeding birds, it is important to provide them with high-energy foods that can help them stay warm and healthy during the cold winter months. Popular options include black oil sunflower seed, hulled peanuts or peanut hearts, Nyjer (thistle) seed, suet, peanut butter, and white millet. These foods are high in calories and nutrients that can help birds maintain their body temperature and stay healthy throughout the winter season.
One effective way to feed winter birds is by using bird feeders. Bird feeders can attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard, providing them with a safe and reliable food source. When choosing a bird feeder, it is important to consider the type of birds you want to attract, the size of your backyard, and the feeding habits of the birds in your area. By providing the right food and shelter, you can help support the local bird population and enjoy the beauty of Washington’s winter birds.
Why Feed Winter Birds
Feeding winter birds in Washington is a great way to help them survive the harsh winter months. Winter is a difficult time for birds as they struggle to find food and maintain their energy levels. By providing food for birds, you can help them stay healthy and strong during the winter months.
Birds need a lot of energy to survive the cold winter months. They need to maintain their body temperature and keep their fat reserves up, which they use as an energy source to keep warm. During the winter, natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries become scarce. Feeding birds can help supplement their diet and provide them with the extra energy they need to stay healthy.
Feeding birds in the winter is also a great way to attract a variety of species to your yard. Different birds prefer different types of food, so by offering a variety of foods, you can attract a diverse range of birds to your feeder. This can be a great way to observe and appreciate the beauty of different bird species in your backyard.
Overall, feeding winter birds in Washington is a great way to help these beautiful creatures survive the harsh winter months. By providing them with extra food, you can help them maintain their energy levels and stay healthy. So, set up a bird feeder in your yard today and start enjoying the beauty of these amazing creatures!
Other local states for feeding birds:
- Winter Bird Feeding in Oregon
- Winter Bird Feeding in California
- Winter Bird Feeding in Alaska
- Winter Bird Feeding in Hawaii
Types of Feeders
When it comes to feeding birds in Washington during the winter, it’s important to provide a variety of feeder types to attract a diverse range of species. Here are two common types of bird feeders:
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are flat shelves that can hang from cords or chains, rest on elevated poles, or attach to windows. These feeders are great for attracting ground-feeding birds such as juncos, sparrows, and towhees. They can also be used to provide larger birds like doves, jays, and woodpeckers with a place to perch and eat.
When using a platform feeder, it’s important to keep it clean and dry to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Consider using a mesh bottom to allow any moisture to drain away. You can fill a platform feeder with a variety of foods, including sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and peanuts.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are long, cylindrical feeders that can be hung from trees or poles. They typically have multiple feeding ports and can hold a large amount of seed, making them ideal for attracting small, perching birds like finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.
When choosing a tube feeder, look for one with metal ports to prevent squirrels from chewing through. You can fill a tube feeder with a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, thistle, and nyjer.
It’s important to keep your tube feeder clean to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Consider using a brush to clean the inside of the feeder and removing any old or moldy seed.
In addition to platform and tube feeders, there are many other types of feeders available, including hopper feeders, suet feeders, and hummingbird feeders. Consider providing a variety of feeder types and foods to attract the greatest variety of birds to your yard.
Types of Bird Food
When it comes to feeding winter birds in Washington, it’s important to provide a variety of foods to attract a diverse range of bird species. Here are some of the most popular types of bird food to consider:
White Proso Millet
White proso millet is a small, round seed that is a favorite of many ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows, towhees, and juncos. It’s also a popular choice for feeding finches, such as house finches and goldfinches. This seed is low in fat and high in protein, making it a nutritious option for birds.
Red Millet
Red millet is another small, round seed that is similar in size and shape to white proso millet. It’s a favorite of many ground-feeding birds, as well as finches and other small birds. Red millet is slightly higher in fat than white proso millet, but still provides a good source of protein for birds.
Peanut Pieces
Peanut pieces are a great source of protein and fat for birds, and are especially popular with woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. They can be offered in a variety of ways, such as in a mesh feeder or scattered on a platform feeder. Be sure to choose unsalted, raw peanuts to avoid harmful additives.
Nectar
Nectar is a sweet, sugary liquid that is a favorite of hummingbirds. To make your own nectar, simply mix one part white granulated sugar with four parts water, and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let the nectar cool before filling your hummingbird feeder. Avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners, as they can be harmful to birds.
In addition to these popular options, there are many other types of bird food to consider, such as black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. By offering a variety of foods, you can attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard and provide them with the nutrients they need to survive the winter months.
Common Winter Birds in Washington
Washington state is home to a diverse array of winter birds that can be easily attracted to backyard feeders. Here are some of the most common winter birds in Washington:
House Finches
House Finches are small, plump birds with a short, conical bill. The males have a red head and breast, while the females are brown and streaked. They are common throughout the year in Washington, but are especially abundant in winter.
Chickadees
Chickadees are small, active birds with a distinctive black cap and bib. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with sunflower seeds and suet.
Juncos
Juncos are small, sparrow-like birds with dark gray backs and white bellies. They are common throughout the year in Washington, but are especially abundant in winter. They can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with millet and sunflower seeds.
Nuthatches
Nuthatches are small, acrobatic birds with a distinctive upside-down feeding style. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with suet and peanuts.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows are small, streaked birds with a distinctive brown and gray plumage. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with millet and sunflower seeds.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are small, bright yellow birds with black wings and tail. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with thistle or nyjer seed.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves are large, plump birds with a distinctive cooing call. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with millet and sunflower seeds.
White-Crowned Sparrows
White-Crowned Sparrows are small, gray birds with distinctive black and white stripes on their head. They are common throughout the year in Washington, but are especially abundant in winter. They can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with millet and sunflower seeds.
Pine Siskins
Pine Siskins are small, streaked birds with a distinctive yellow wing-bar. They are common throughout the year in Washington, but are especially abundant in winter. They can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with nyjer or sunflower seeds.
Starlings
Starlings are medium-sized, iridescent birds with a distinctive speckled plumage. They are common throughout the year in Washington, and can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with suet and peanuts.
Dark-Eyed Junco
Dark-Eyed Juncos are small, sparrow-like birds with a distinctive gray head and back and white belly. They are common throughout the year in Washington, but are especially abundant in winter. They can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with millet and sunflower seeds.
In summary, there are many common winter birds in Washington that can be easily attracted to backyard feeders with the right food and habitat. By providing a variety of seed and suet options, you can attract a diverse array of birds to your backyard and enjoy their company throughout the winter season.
Feeder Maintenance
Maintaining your bird feeder is essential to keeping the birds healthy and safe. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your feeder:
Cleaning the Feeder
Cleaning the feeder regularly is important to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to clean the feeder. Rinse the feeder thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before refilling it with birdseed.
Preventing Ants
Ants can be a problem around bird feeders, but there are several ways to prevent them from getting into the feeder. One way is to use an ant moat, which is a small cup that hangs above the feeder and is filled with water. Ants cannot swim, so they will not be able to cross the moat to get to the feeder.
Another way is to use an ant guard, which is a plastic or metal shield that fits around the hanger of the feeder. The guard is coated with a sticky substance that ants cannot cross.
Other Tips
Here are some other tips for maintaining your feeder:
- Keep the area around the feeder clean to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria.
- Use fresh birdseed to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Replace the feeder if it becomes damaged or worn.
- Position the feeder in a shaded area to prevent the birdseed from spoiling quickly in the sun.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your feeder clean and prevent the spread of disease among birds.
Providing Water
During the winter, birds need access to fresh water just as much as they need food. However, natural sources of water such as ponds and streams may be frozen over and not accessible to birds. Here are some ways to provide water for birds during the winter.
Bird Bath
A bird bath is a great way to provide water for birds during the winter. It is important to keep the bird bath clean and filled with fresh water. In the winter, it is also important to keep the water from freezing. There are bird baths available with built-in heating elements to keep the water from freezing. You can also use a bird bath heater or a heated bird bath to keep the water from freezing.
When choosing a bird bath, it is important to consider the size and depth of the bowl. A shallow bowl is better for birds as it allows them to drink and bathe without getting completely submerged. The bird bath should also be placed in a location where birds can easily access it but away from predators.
Other Ways to Provide Water
If a bird bath is not an option, there are other ways to provide water for birds during the winter. You can use a shallow dish or tray and fill it with fresh water every day. You can also use a heated pet water bowl or a heated plant saucer to provide water for birds.
It is important to remember to clean the water dish or tray regularly to prevent the spread of disease. You can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the water to help prevent the growth of bacteria.
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