How to Attract Common Winter Birds

While many birds migrate south for the winter, several species remain in Canada year-round. Supporting these resilient birds during the colder months not only supports local ecosystems but also offers you the chance to enjoy watching them right outside your window.
Here are three simple ways to attract winter birds to your backyard:

1. Delay Cleanup Until Spring

One of the easiest ways to help birds is by postponing garden cleanup until spring. While it might be tempting to tidy up fallen seeds, nuts, and berries, these natural food sources are vital for migrating and wintering birds. By leaving them in place, you’re providing an abundant, natural buffet for your feathered friends.

2. Provide Habitat with Native Trees and Shrubs

Creating a bird-friendly habitat begins with the right plants. Add a variety of native trees and shrubs to your yard, which provide both food and shelter. In winter, the branches of these plants offer birds a safe place from harsh weather.

3. Offer Sheltered Resting Places

Birdhouses and nesting boxes are essential for winter survival. These structures give birds a place to rest and seek refuge from the cold. Be sure to clean out any birdhouses after the nesting season to prevent disease buildup and offer a fresh, safe environment for the winter months.

Common Winter Birds in the Atlantic Provinces:
Several bird species stick around through the winter in the Atlantic provinces. Some of the most common include:

• Black-Capped Chickadee: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• White-Breasted Nuthatch: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Suet
• House & Purple Finches: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Northern Cardinals: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Blue Jays: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Cracked Corn
• American Goldfinches: Prefer Nyjer Seeds
• Common Redpolls: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Brown Creepers: Prefer Suet

Expert Tip: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Suet are some of the best options for attracting the widest variety of birds to your winter feeders.

For more backyard birding tips, be sure to check out our other blogs!
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Best Winter Bird Seed
Best Winter Bird Feeders

Sources:
Four Ways to Attract Backyard Birds this Winter – Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada