For the Birds: Tantalizing Tuesday Feeding Tips for Fall
All summer, the birds stuffed themselves at our feeder (it was always empty!) Learn how to keep them happy during Fall & Winter.
Some birds fly South for the winter (some may even stop at your house long the way); however, many don’t and are constantly searching for food. Birds need to feel safe so slightly secluded spot where you can watch while they indulge.
The key is to feed the birds frequently during extreme weather changes or extended periods where they cannot find food.
Water = Life
All animals require plenty of water and birds are no exception. During extended winter periods, ponds and standing water may be frozen limited watering options for birds.
If at all possible, set up a shallow birdbath (away from feeders) and change the water daily. You can use room temperature water which will slow freezing.
There are also a variety of small heater units you can use in your bird bath to keep the water just warm enough to stop freezing. Never use any chemicals in the water like antifreeze.
The key is to be diligent and don’t forget to clean the bird bath every week with a weak chlorine solution to kill bacteria and germs that can harm the birds.
Keep it Dry
Be sure to check your feeders regularly and toss any wet seed as 
it can harbor deadly bacteria. Birds aren’t very discriminating about where they poop so disease is always a potential threat in contained feeding areas.
Fat is Good
Birds need additional fat in their diet for energy. The artery-clogging meat fat is perfect for birds during the cold months. You can purchase a variety of "Suet” blocks or you can make your own. Here are is a quick and simply DIY recipe that birds love.
Suet Blocks
These blocks are a freeform recipe where you melt beef fat (ask your butcher or look for the fat blocks in the meat section) in the microwave and mix in your seed or other bird favorites (see list below). The formula is 2 parts fat to 1 part seed. Look around your kitchen for bowls, pans or even large muffin tins to form the block. Use yogurt cups or cottage cheese cartons. You can also use a bunt pan (with center hole) to create a wreath version – perfect for gift giving with a nice larger hanger ribbon.
Filler Options
- Bird seed mix
- Chopped apple
- Raisins or other dried fruit bits
- Raw, unsalted peanuts
- Cooked, unsalted rice
- Seeds like sunflower
- Bread pieces
The firmer choices do better in large blocks.
You’ll need to think about how you will hang the block (if that is your choice) so a long strand of kitchen or plant twine should be inserted (just like the wick of a candle). Make it long enough so you can tie it to a bare branch. These blocks will withstand the weather but lots of rain is hard on them.
To learn more about fall/winter bird feeding, check out
