A Quick Start Guide to Celebrating Bird Feeding Month

Join the celebration of Bird Feeding Month with our quick start guide, filled with tips for feeding and caring for winter birds.

A Quick Start Guide to Celebrating Bird Feeding Month

Introduction: Why February is for the Birds

As winter reaches its peak, many wild birds face their greatest challenges. Natural food sources become scarce, and water often freezes over. This makes February a crucial time for our feathered friends.

Did you know that February is officially National Bird Feeding Month? It’s a special observance dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging us to support local bird populations. You can find more helpful February Bird Feeding Tips on how to help.

In this extensive guide, we’ll explore why providing food and water during this period is so important. We’ll also share practical advice on the best types of food and feeders, how to ensure birds have access to water, and even how you can contribute to important citizen science efforts like the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Join us as we learn how to make a real difference for birds this winter.

The Story Behind National Bird Feeding Month

The concept of dedicating a full month to bird feeding might seem recent, but its roots are firmly planted in the recognition of a critical need. February was officially designated as National Bird Feeding Month in 1994 by Congressman John Porter. His initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the severe difficulties wild birds face during the coldest and often harshest month of the year in many parts of the United States. Natural food sources, such as berries, seeds, and insects, become increasingly scarce or are buried under snow and ice. Water sources, vital for survival, often freeze over.

Congressman Porter’s resolution underscored the importance of human intervention to help birds survive these challenging conditions. It wasn’t just about providing sustenance; it was about acknowledging our role in bird conservation and supporting wildlife when natural resources are at their lowest. By encouraging people to consistently provide food, water, and shelter, the initiative sought to mitigate the impact of winter on bird populations, ensuring more birds could survive to reproduce in the spring.

Beyond the direct benefits to birds, National Bird Feeding Month also highlights the profound advantages this activity offers to humans. Bird feeding is widely recognized as one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, with approximately one-third of the adult population participating. It’s an entertaining, educational, and remarkably inexpensive pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to seniors.

Engaging with birds in our backyards provides a much-needed break from the demands of modern life. Observing their behaviors, identifying different species, and listening to their songs can be incredibly relaxing and stress-relieving. It fosters a deeper connection with nature, even within urban or suburban environments. For many, it becomes a tranquil ritual, offering moments of peace and quiet reflection. It also serves as an excellent educational tool, especially for children, teaching them about local wildlife, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental stewardship. By participating, we not only help birds survive but also enrich our own lives with the simple joys and profound insights that come from connecting with the natural world.

Your Essential Guide for February is Bird Feeding Month – 18

February is a pivotal month for bird feeding, as it marks the peak of winter’s challenges for wild birds. Providing the right kind of sustenance and ensuring access to unfrozen water can make a significant difference in their survival.

Best Foods and Water Sources for February is Bird Feeding Month – 18

When it comes to feeding birds in winter, the focus should be on high-energy, high-fat foods that provide the necessary calories to maintain body temperature and fuel their search for natural forage.

Here’s a list of some of the best winter bird foods and the species they attract:

• Black-Oil Sunflower Seeds: Often considered the “king” of birdseed, these small, thin-shelled seeds are packed with oil and easily cracked by most birds. They attract a wide variety of species, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers.
• Suet: Rendered animal fat, often mixed with seeds, nuts, or dried fruit, is an excellent high-energy food, especially on cold days. It’s a favorite of woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens, and jays. Suet can be offered in special cage feeders.
• Peanuts (shelled or unshelled): High in protein and fat, peanuts are a popular choice for jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice. Shelled peanuts are easier for smaller birds to consume.
• Nyjer Seed (Thistle Seed): These tiny, black seeds are a favorite of small-billed finches, such as American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, and Common Redpolls. They require a special feeder with small openings.
• Mealworms: While perhaps not as common as seeds, live or dried mealworms are a fantastic source of protein, especially for insect-eating birds that struggle to find natural insects in winter. Bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and robins (if they overwinter) will readily consume them.
• Cracked Corn: A good option for ground-feeding birds like juncos, sparrows, doves, and jays.
• Millet: White proso millet is preferred by many ground-feeding birds like juncos, sparrows, and doves.

Finding expert advice on birdseed can help you select the best options for your local bird populations.

Beyond food, providing water is equally, if not more, critical in winter. Birds need water for drinking and preening their feathers to maintain insulation. Natural water sources often freeze solid, making it difficult for birds to find a drink. Dehydration can be a serious threat, especially when birds are expending energy to stay warm.

The best way to provide water in freezing temperatures is with a heated birdbath. These units keep a portion of the water ice-free, providing a vital resource. If a heated birdbath isn’t an option, a simple bowl of warm water placed in a sunny spot can offer temporary relief, though it will need to be refilled frequently as it freezes. Consistency is key; birds will learn to rely on your yard as a dependable source of sustenance and hydration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During February is Bird Feeding Month – 18

While bird feeding is a rewarding activity, certain practices can inadvertently harm the birds we aim to help. Being aware of common mistakes can ensure our efforts are truly beneficial.

One of the most crucial aspects of responsible bird feeding is feeder cleaning. Unclean feeders can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to the spread of diseases among bird populations. We should aim to clean feeders regularly, ideally every two weeks, or more frequently during periods of high bird traffic or wet weather. A solution of one part bleach to nine parts water, followed by a thorough rinse and drying, is effective. Preventing disease is paramount to maintaining healthy bird populations.

Feeder placement is another common oversight. Feeders should be positioned in a location that offers birds a clear view of their surroundings, allowing them to spot predators like cats or hawks. Placing feeders too close to dense shrubs or trees can provide cover for predators. Conversely, placing them too far from natural cover can leave birds feeling exposed and vulnerable. A good rule of thumb is within 10-15 feet of cover, but not directly in it.

Predator protection extends beyond placement. If outdoor cats are present in the neighborhood, consider placing feeders in areas inaccessible to them, or using baffles on poles to deter climbing.

Window collisions are a significant threat to birds, especially around feeders. Birds can become disoriented by reflections or simply not see the glass. To prevent this, we can place feeders either very close (within 3 feet) to the window, or more than 30 feet away. When feeders are very close, birds can’t build up enough momentum to injure themselves if they hit the glass. We can also apply decals, tape, or screens to windows to break up reflections and make the glass more visible to birds.

Finally, offering the wrong foods can be detrimental. While our intentions are good, some human foods are harmful to birds. Bread, for instance, offers little nutritional value and can fill a bird’s stomach, leading to malnutrition. It can also swell in their stomachs. Milk is another no-go; birds cannot digest lactose, and it can cause digestive upset. Similarly, avoid offering desiccated coconut (which swells), salty foods, or spoiled items. Stick to high-quality birdseed, suet, and appropriate natural foods.

Consistency is also vital. Birds quickly learn where reliable food sources are. If we start feeding, it’s important to continue, especially during the harsh winter months. Erratic feeding can cause birds to expend precious energy searching for food that isn’t there, particularly when natural sources are scarce. By avoiding these common pitfalls, we can ensure our bird feeding efforts are truly beneficial and safe for our feathered friends.

How to Participate: From Your Backyard to Global Citizen Science

Participating in National Bird Feeding Month goes beyond just filling feeders. It’s an opportunity to engage with nature, learn about local wildlife, and even contribute to global scientific research.

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count

One of the most impactful ways to celebrate National Bird Feeding Month is by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This annual citizen science project is a collaborative effort coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. It’s an international event that gathers crucial data on bird populations, which helps scientists understand bird migrations, population trends, and year-over-year fluctuations.

The GBBC typically takes place over four days in mid-February. For example, in 2025, the count is scheduled from February 14th to February 17th. Participation is incredibly easy and accessible to everyone, regardless of their birding experience or location. You don’t need to live in a specific region; you can count birds from anywhere in the world – your backyard, a local park, a schoolyard, or even while visiting friends.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Choose a location: Pick any spot where you can observe birds.
2. Count for at least 15 minutes: Spend at least 15 minutes (or more!) observing birds. You can count multiple times a day and in multiple locations throughout the four-day period.
3. Identify and count: Note down every bird species you see or hear, and count the greatest number of individuals of each species observed at any one time during your observation period.
4. Report your sightings: Submit your data through the official GBBC website (birdcount.org) or via the eBird app. The eBird app is particularly user-friendly and allows you to submit observations directly from your smartphone.

The data collected during the GBBC is invaluable. It provides a snapshot of winter bird populations worldwide, helping scientists identify areas of concern, track the effects of climate change, and inform conservation efforts. It’s a fantastic way to teach children about birds and citizen science, making it a fun and educational family activity.

More Ways to Celebrate

Beyond the Great Backyard Bird Count, there are numerous other ways to deepen your engagement with birds during February and throughout the year.

Bird journaling is an excellent way to improve your observation skills and create a personal record of your birding experiences. You can note down the species you see, their behaviors, the types of food they prefer, and even the weather conditions. Over time, this journal becomes a valuable resource, helping you understand local bird patterns and appreciate the nuances of their lives.

Learning new species can transform your bird feeding experience. Instead of just seeing “a bird,” you can identify a Dark-Eyed Junco, differentiate between various types of woodpeckers, or recognize the distinctive markings of a nuthatch. There are many excellent resources available, such as field guides (like Peterson Field Guides to Feeder Birds of Eastern North America), online databases (like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website), and bird identification apps. Setting a goal to learn one new species each month can be a rewarding challenge.

Adding a birdhouse or providing shelter is another crucial way to support birds, especially during the colder months. Birdhouses offer safe nesting sites in spring and summer, but in winter, they can serve as vital roosting boxes, providing protection from harsh winds, snow, and low temperatures. Consider houses designed for specific cavity-nesting birds like chickadees or wrens. Even simple DIY projects, like creating brush piles from fallen branches, can offer essential shelter and foraging opportunities for ground-dwelling birds. Planting native evergreen trees and shrubs also provides natural, year-round cover and potential food sources.

By combining active feeding with observation, learning, and habitat provision, we can make February a truly impactful month for our avian neighbors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wild world right outside our windows.

Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Bird Feeding

As we accept National Bird Feeding Month, many common questions arise about the best practices for supporting our feathered friends. Let’s address some of them.

What’s the single most important food to offer in winter?

If we had to pick just one food to offer birds in winter, it would undoubtedly be black-oil sunflower seeds. These small, black seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting a high fat content that provides birds with the essential energy and calories they need to survive cold temperatures. Their thin shells make them easy for a wide variety of bird species to crack open, even those with smaller beaks.

Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to a vast array of common feeder birds, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, titmice, and various woodpeckers. The act of de-shelling these seeds also provides birds with a small amount of physical activity, which helps generate body heat, further aiding their survival in the cold. While a diverse feeding strategy is always best, black-oil sunflower seeds offer the most bang for your buck in terms of widespread appeal and nutritional value during the challenging winter months.

If I start feeding birds, will they become dependent and not migrate?

This is a common concern, but it’s largely a myth. Birds are driven by instinctual cues for migration, primarily changes in daylight length and hormonal shifts, rather than solely by food availability. While a reliable food source can certainly help birds build up the necessary fat reserves for their journey, it doesn’t override their innate migratory programming.

Supplemental feeding from our backyards provides an important “safety net,” especially during periods of scarce natural food or extreme weather. It helps birds maintain their health and energy levels, which can actually improve their chances of successful migration when the time comes. Birds are opportunistic foragers; they will use available feeder food, but they will also continue to forage for natural food sources. Our feeding efforts are a supplement, not a replacement, for their natural behaviors and instincts. Therefore, we can confidently feed birds without worrying about interfering with their natural migratory patterns.

How can I keep squirrels from eating all the birdseed?

Squirrels can be persistent and resourceful, often outcompeting birds for feeder food. However, there are several effective strategies to deter them:

• Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Many feeders are specifically designed to be squirrel-resistant. These often feature weight-activated perches that close off access to the seed when a squirrel’s weight is detected, or caging that allows small birds in but keeps squirrels out.
• Baffles: Mounting a baffle (a dome or cone-shaped barrier) above or below a feeder pole can prevent squirrels from climbing up or jumping down to reach the seed. Ensure the baffle is wide enough and placed far enough from jumping-off points (like trees or fences).
• Safflower Seed: Many birds enjoy safflower, but squirrels (and often larger, more aggressive birds like grackles) find its bitter taste unappealing. Switching to safflower can be a simple solution, though not all bird species will eat it.
• Hot Pepper Suet/Seed: Birds don’t have the same capsaicin receptors as mammals, so they aren’t bothered by the heat of chili peppers. Squirrels, however, find it highly irritating. You can purchase suet cakes or birdseed mixes treated with capsaicin, or even add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your regular seed (ensure it’s well mixed and doesn’t become airborne).
• Separate Feeding Stations: Sometimes, the best approach is to give squirrels their own designated feeding area away from your bird feeders. Offer them corn on the cob, peanuts in the shell, or other squirrel-friendly treats. This can distract them from the birdseed.

A combination of these methods often yields the best results, allowing your feathered visitors to enjoy their meal in peace.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Hobby for You and the Birds

As we’ve explored, February is National Bird Feeding Month for very good reasons. It’s a critical time when wild birds face immense challenges due to scarce natural resources and harsh weather conditions. Our simple actions – providing high-energy food, ensuring access to unfrozen water, and offering shelter – can make a profound difference in their ability to survive and thrive.

Beyond the vital support we offer to our avian neighbors, bird feeding is a deeply rewarding hobby for us. It offers a unique window into the natural world, right from our own backyards. It provides moments of peace and relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection with nature. For families, it’s an educational and engaging activity that teaches valuable lessons about wildlife and environmental stewardship.

The impact of your efforts, no matter how small, contributes to a larger understanding of bird populations through initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count. So, accept this opportunity to become a backyard conservationist. Your consistent care provides a lifeline for birds in winter and brings year-round joy to your life. Happy birding!