The winter is the hardest time of the year for birds to survive outdoors. With less vegetatation around for the bird to utilize, the food supply is decreased and the amount of shelter available is lessened by the increase in bare trees. To help the birds thrive outdoors during the winter, it is a good idea to offer the birds shelther and a constant food supply in your yard. Here are some tips to follow when offering shelter and food to the birds during the winter.
- When offering the backyard birds shelter in your yard, it is a good idea to investigate what types of birds winter in your area for the winter. Use a bird guide, such as the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, to make identification easier.
- Once you have determined what type of birds are going to winter in your area, it is important to provide a good source of shelter.  The Audubon Cedar Bluebird House is a great home to have in your yard for the bluebirds. Put a few of these well-built homes up around your yard to offer the birds a warm, cozy spot to live for the winter. The bird will flock to the homes for shelter when the weather is harsh.
- Offer the birds nesting material such as Bird Nester Refill. The winter can be a difficult time for birds to find nesting material and offering them nesting material for their home is a great way to ensure that they are able to create a nest inside their home.
- Keep a few bird feeders filled with bird seed. If you know that the birds in your area enjoy a particular type of bird seed, fill the bird feeders with a seed that they are sure to love. The Outdoor Bluebird Feeder is perfect for feeding bluebirds in the winter and has an overhang to help protect the birds from the elements.Â
To survive the winter, birds need help from their human friends. Don’t forget to offer plenty of the birds plenty of shelter and food during the winter. Check out Rachel’s Robin to find everything you need for healthy, happy birds during the winter.