INTRODUCTION

As the growing season ends, so does much of the natural food supply for wildlife. During winter, many birds and small animals struggle to find enough food, water, and shelter to survive. Even in colder regions, many birds stay throughout the winter, and our yards can become an important source of survival for them.

By making a few simple changes, you can turn your yard into a safe and welcoming habitat for wildlife during the colder months.

Provide Bird Feeders for Winter Survival

Birds that have access to feeders during winter have a much higher survival rate, especially during long periods of cold weather. Placing bird feeders in your yard is one of the easiest ways to help wildlife.

Hang feeders from trees or fences for birds that prefer not to feed on the ground. Seeds that fall from feeders will provide food for ground-feeding birds, so both types of birds benefit from the same feeder setup.

Keeping feeders full throughout winter can make a significant difference in the survival of local bird populations.

Don’t Forget Fresh Water

Water is just as important as food during winter. Bird baths should be kept filled, but freezing temperatures can make this difficult.

If your bird bath freezes, provide fresh water in another container or replace frozen water regularly. Access to clean water helps birds and small animals stay healthy during cold weather.

Your Yard Helps More Wildlife Than You Think

Placing seeds, pumpkins, or other natural food sources along fences may also attract squirrels and other small wildlife. While they may occasionally raid bird feeders, they are also animals trying to survive winter conditions.

As urban development continues, natural habitats become smaller. This makes residential yards more important than ever for wildlife survival. Simply refilling a bird feeder could help sustain many animals throughout the winter season.