Winter Bird-Feeding: Keep Those Backyard Birds Fat and Happy!

As the temperatures outside drop, it's time to start thinking about winter bird-feeding.

Winter is tough on our feathered friends, but with the right setup, you can turn your backyard into a cozy, high-protein diner for every sparrow, finch, and cardinal around.

Here’s how to feed the birds this winter without attracting every squirrel within a three-mile radius.

Sunflower Seeds = Bird Superfood

If you’re only offering one thing this winter, make it sunflower seeds. These little powerhouses are packed with protein and healthy fats to help birds survive the cold. You can also mix in cracked corn or millet, depending on your regular visitors. Mice and squirrels love these snacks too, so keep your feeding area tidy and your seed stored safely.

Suet Cakes

Suet is basically bird fuel. It's rendered animal fat mixed with all sorts of tasty extras like nuts, fruit, and grains. In winter, suet helps birds maintain energy levels when everything else is frozen solid.

At Merriam Feed, we carry suet in all kinds of irresistible flavors — apple, berry, blueberry, cherry, zesty orange, peanut, and sunflower blend. Pick a few and see what your backyard flock prefers. Just hang your suet feeders in squirrel-unfriendly zones. You know how they get.

More Feeders, Less Feeder Drama

Birds may be small, but they don’t love sharing. Setting up multiple feeders around your yard keeps the peace and helps more birds dine in without a turf war. Try different styles too — tube feeders, tray feeders, and nectar stations all serve different feathered guests.

Don’t forget to clean out your feeders regularly. Moldy seed is a no-go for your backyard crew.

Let the Birdwatching Begin

Winter bird feeding isn’t just helpful. It’s wildly entertaining. You’ll see familiar faces return daily and maybe even spot a few new ones flying in for your suet specials.

Need seed? Merriam Feed + Seed has the best wild bird seed selection around, from bulk mixes to specialty blends. Whether you’re new to bird feeding or have been doing this since before it was cool, our team can help you pick the right setup for your space.

So stop by, stock up, and get your feeders filled. Your birds will love you for it. And honestly, so will we.