Feeding the Birds: Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Winter Garden

Winter is a challenging time for birds and other wildlife, with food, water, and shelter often in short supply. At Bru-Mar Gardens, we believe your garden can become a haven for local wildlife, turning the colder months into a time of beauty and connection with nature. Here are our expert tips to make your winter garden a welcoming retreat for birds and other wildlife.

1. Provide a Winter Buffet

Birds rely on high-energy foods to stay warm during winter. Stock your garden with a variety of feeders and food options to attract different species. Here’s what to offer:

Black-oil sunflower seeds: A favorite for many birds, these are high in fat and easy to eat.
Suet blocks: Packed with energy, suet is perfect for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
Nyjer seed: Tiny but mighty, this seed attracts finches and other small songbirds.
Peanuts: Offer shelled or unshelled peanuts for jays, woodpeckers, and even squirrels.
Fruit and kitchen scraps: Slice up apples, oranges, or raisins for species like robins and bluebirds.

Tip: Place feeders near shrubs or trees to give birds a quick escape route from predators.

2. Keep the Water Flowing

Fresh, unfrozen water is essential for birds during winter, as natural sources often freeze over. Add a birdbath or heated water dish to your garden to help.

Use a heated birdbath to prevent ice from forming.
Place a small flat stone in the bath for birds to perch on safely.
Change the water regularly to ensure cleanliness and prevent algae buildup.

3. Offer Cozy Shelter

Winter winds and snowstorms make finding shelter critical for survival. Help birds and small animals find a safe place by adding natural and manmade structures.

Leave seed heads standing: Plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses provide food and shelter.
Plant evergreens: Dense branches of spruce, pine, or holly provide excellent winter cover.
Install roosting boxes: These give birds a warm place to gather and protect themselves from the cold.

For a natural touch, create a brush pile using trimmed branches and fallen leaves to offer protection for ground-dwelling species.

4. Choose Wildlife-Friendly Plants

A garden designed with wildlife in mind will naturally provide food and shelter all year. Focus on these winter-friendly plants:

Winterberry holly: Its bright red berries feed birds like cedar waxwings and robins.
Serviceberry: This versatile shrub offers berries that persist into winter.
Eastern red cedar: Provides both food and shelter with its blue-gray berries and dense foliage.

Tip: Native plants are best, as they are well-adapted to your region and support local ecosystems.

5. Avoid Pesticides

Chemicals can harm birds and other wildlife. Instead, embrace organic gardening practices and encourage natural pest control with beneficial insects and healthy soil.

6. Enjoy the Show

Once your garden is set up, grab your binoculars and enjoy the flurry of activity. Keep a journal to note which birds visit, and share your findings with friends or a local birding group. Watching wildlife thrive in your garden can be incredibly rewarding!

Visit Bru-Mar Gardens for Winter Gardening Essentials

We have everything you need to create a wildlife-friendly winter garden, from bird feeders and premium seed blends to winterberry holly and other native plants. Stop by today for expert advice and to pick up all the essentials for supporting your feathered friends this season!

By making these small adjustments to your garden, you’ll not only help wildlife survive the winter but also create a vibrant outdoor space filled with life and beauty. Together, let’s make winter a season to celebrate nature!