Bird food for the winter: Tips and tricks to support our feathered friends

As bird lovers, we need to take special care of our feathered friends in winter. The cold season can be very challenging for birds as food becomes scarce and temperatures drop. By offering bird food, we can help them survive this difficult time while maintaining their beauty and vibrancy in our gardens.

Why feed birds in winter?

Birds have different ways of preparing for winter. Some migratory birds fly to warmer regions, while others change their diet in favour of seeds, nuts and berries. However, there are also many birds that stay in our latitudes and have to rely on artificial food sources.

Natural food sources for birds are limited in winter. Insects are scarce, berries and seeds are often covered with a thick layer of snow. Bird food is therefore a vital supplement to their diet to prevent starvation and hypothermia. By providing bird food, we can help to maintain the population of our native birds and help them through the cold season.

The right bird food for the winter

Bird food for the winter should be rich and full of energy. There are various types of bird food that have been specially developed to meet the needs of birds at this time of year. Here are some examples of suitable bird food:

• Sunflower seeds: A favourite choice for many bird species as they are rich in fats and proteins.
• Cereal grains: Oats, wheat and barley provide a good source of food for birds.
• Fat-bran mixtures: These mixtures are rich in energy and help the birds to replenish their energy reserves.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is easy to digest and a good source of carbohydrates.
• Fruit and sultanas: Apples, pears and sultanas are a welcome change and provide important vitamins.
• Feeding rings and feeding balls: These practical feeding options are popular with many birds.
• Coconut halves with beef fat or beef tallow pieces: A treat for birds and a good source of energy.

Choosing the right bird food also depends on the birds you have in your garden. Different bird species have different preferences and needs. Here in Germany, tits, finches, thrushes and sparrows are frequent guests. It is important to provide a variety of feeders to attract and support a wide range of birds.

Year-round bird food: How can we support birds all year round?

The provision of bird food should not be limited to the winter. Birds can benefit from our support all year round. Here are some tips on how you can support your feathered friends outside of the winter season:

• Seeds: Offer a variety of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, poppy seeds and seed mixes.
• Fat food: Homemade fat balls or feeding rings are a good addition to the birds' diet.
• Oatmeal: Soak oatmeal in sunflower oil to provide the soft feeders with a tasty meal.
• Fruit and berries: Apples, pears and berries are not only delicious for us, but also a favourite delicacy for birds.

By providing bird food all year round, you can enjoy a diverse bird population in your garden while helping to preserve biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

Question 1: What should you feed birds in winter?

Answer: Suitable bird food includes sunflower seeds, hemp, millet, cereal grains, fat-bran mixtures, oat flakes, fruit, sultanas, feeding rings and dumplings, coconut halves with beef fat or pieces of beef tallow.

Question 2: Which bird food is suitable in autumn and winter?

Answer: Insects, poppy seeds, bran, sultanas, fruit and oatmeal are all the more favourable to them. In winter, you can do the soft feeders some good by soaking oatmeal in sunflower oil, for example. Omnivores such as tits, woodpeckers and nuthatches enjoy both hard grains and soft food.

Question 3: Which bird food can we offer all year round?

Answer: Feeding birds all year round: the right bird food If you have enough space, offer seeds, oatmeal, fat food (such as homemade fat balls) and pieces of apple in several places in the garden.

Question 4: Which fat is suitable for birds in winter?

Answer: There are two ways to prepare nutritious fat food for birds: You can simply mix wholemeal oat flakes or multigrain flakes with a little sunflower oil or vegetable fat (e.g. coconut oil) until they are fully absorbed. You can also add wheat bran.

Concluding thoughts

Feeding birds in winter is not only a pleasure for us, but also a life-saving measure for our feathered friends. By offering them the right bird food, we can help them survive the harsh conditions of the cold season. With a diverse selection of bird food, we attract a colourful variety of birds to our garden and support nature conservation at the same time.

So don't hesitate to prepare bird food for the winter! Your feathered neighbours will thank you for it.