Keep Your Backyard Birds Coming Back All Winter

A flash of cardinal red. A chickadee making a quick stop for seed. A woodpecker working its way along a tree trunk. Even when flowers have faded, backyard birds bring color and activity to the garden.

Here in Annapolis, winter is a wonderful time to enjoy that view. With a few thoughtful choices, you can make your yard more welcoming—and give yourself something to look forward to outside the window.

Start With a Simple Feeding Station

You don’t need an elaborate setup. Begin with one sturdy feeder that keeps food dry and comes apart easily for cleaning.

Black-oil sunflower seed attracts a variety of familiar backyard birds. Suet offered in a suitable cage feeder appeals to woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. If goldfinches are frequent visitors, consider a feeder designed for Nyjer seed.

Different birds use different feeders, so start small and watch what happens. Your visitors will help you decide what to add next.

Make Fresh Water Part of the Routine

A feeder may get the attention, but water deserves a place in your winter garden, too. Birds need drinking water even when temperatures drop, and a birdbath can attract visitors that rarely stop for seed.

Choose a shallow basin with secure footing, refresh the water frequently, and scrub it regularly. When freezing weather arrives, a heater designed specifically for birdbaths can help keep water available. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your setup.

Let Your Garden Help

Feeders are only one part of a welcoming backyard. Trees and shrubs give birds places to perch, rest, and retreat from rough weather.

As you finish fall cleanup, look for opportunities to leave some natural food and cover. Seed heads, berry-bearing plants, and sheltered corners can all contribute to a more inviting winter landscape.

For future planting projects, consider how native trees and shrubs could add both garden interest and useful bird habitat.

Keep the Welcome Clean

A busy feeding station needs regular attention. Remove wet or moldy seed, clear accumulated hulls and debris, and clean feeders about every two weeks—or more often during heavy use or damp weather. Let them dry completely before refilling.

Keep birdbaths separate from feeders so falling seed and droppings don’t land in the water. If you notice sick birds, pause feeding and seek guidance from your state wildlife agency.

Give Yourself a Better Winter View

Choose a spot you can enjoy from a favorite chair or the kitchen table, while considering nearby shelter and window safety. Feeders placed within three feet of a window, or more than 30 feet away, help reduce collision risk.

Then make birdwatching a small winter ritual. Pour your morning coffee, take a look outside, and see who has arrived.

At Bru-Mar Gardens, we believe there’s something to enjoy in the garden in every season. This winter, a few feathered visitors might become your favorite part.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good first food to offer backyard birds?
Black-oil sunflower seed is a useful starting point because it attracts many common feeder birds. Choose a feeder suited to the seed and keep it clean and dry.

Do birds need water during winter?
Yes. Fresh, unfrozen water is useful for drinking and can attract birds that don’t regularly visit feeders.

How often should I clean a bird feeder?
About every two weeks is a good starting point. Clean more frequently during damp weather or heavy use, and always discard spoiled seed.

Why aren’t birds visiting my new feeder?
Birds may need time to discover it. Keep food fresh, consider the location, and be patient. Natural food supplies and nearby habitat also affect how often birds visit.