Coloradans along the Front Range are lucky to have a wide range of birds that decide to weather the winter with us and provide entertainment for those who provide food for our feathered friends.  The following are a few tips for winter bird-feeding to maximize your visits and enjoyment over the colder months.  In just the last few days we have witnessed Chickadees, Nuthatches, Robins and House Finches in our yards to name a few.

Provide Cover- Feeders with wide covers over feeding ports and trays will ensure that birds have access even after snowfall.

Provide Shelter- Place your bird feeder in a sheltered location, protected from winds.  In many cases, this can be accomplished by putting your feeder closer to your home and will also provide interior bird watchers with a better view.

Convenience- For your convenience, use a larger feeder in the winter that won’t need to be filled as often.  Also, make sure the feeder is easily accessible for cleaning and replenishment.

Cleanliness- Your bird feeder may receive more traffic in winter months necessitating more frequent cleaning.  When cleaning, discard any wet seed and make sure the feeder dries before refilling it.

In the colder weather, birds benefit from seed with a high fat or oil content which provides the necessary energy to withstand the elements.  Some examples include Black Oil Sunflower Seed, Niger Seed, Suet mixes and Peanut Butter.  Food should be stored in a covered container in a cool, dry place (galvanized trash cans with covers work really well).