Winter Bird Feeding Myths Debunked

Why Myth-Busting Matters

In the Maritimes, winter can mean freeze-thaw cycles, coastal winds, nor’easters, and icy conditions which make natural food scarce for birds. Responsible feeding helps local species like Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers stay healthy through the season.

Myth #1: “Feeding Birds Makes Them Dependent”

• Fact: Birds are opportunistic. They balance natural food sources (seeds, berries, insects) with feeders. Your feeder is supplemental, especially during storms or deep freezes.
• Your Action: Keep feeders consistent but don’t worry if you miss a day because birds will continue to forage widely.

Myth #2: “Feeding Disrupts Migration”

• Fact: Most overwintering species in the Maritimes aren’t migrating. For migrants, daylight and genetics drive migration, not feeders.
• Your Action: Offer high-energy foods (black oil sunflower, suet) to sustain overwintering birds during cold snaps.

Myth #3: “Bread Is Fine for Birds”

• Fact: Bread lacks nutrients and can harm birds. Choose quality seeds and suet instead.
• Your Action: Stock black oil sunflower, peanut pieces, Nyjer (for finches), and suet with nuts or insects.

Myth #4: “Birds Don’t Need Water in Winter”

• Fact: Birds need clean, unfrozen water for drinking and feather care.
• Your Action: Add a heated bird bath or place warm water in shallow dishes and refresh as needed.

Myth #5: “Cleaning Feeders Isn’t Necessary”

• Fact: Dirty feeders can spread disease. Winter cleaning is as important as summer.
• Your Action: Clean feeders every 1–2 weeks with a 9:1 water-to-bleach solution and rinse thoroughly.

Other Tips

• Shelter from wind: Place feeders near spruce or cedar hedges to reduce exposure.
• Snow management: Clear perches and trays after snowfall.
• Storm prep: Top up feeders before nor’easters; switch to suet cages and hopper feeders that shield seed.

Support local birds this winter. Shop wild bird feed, suet, and heated bird baths at Feeds’n Needs across the Maritimes.

Prepare Birds for Winter

As winter settles in, the vibrant colors of Blue Jays, Red-Breasted Nuthatches, and Northern Cardinals bring life to an otherwise dull landscape. But with snow covering natural food sources and insects disappearing, birds face a tough challenge finding enough to eat. By providing food, water, and shelter, you can help your feathered friends survive—and even thrive—through the cold months.

Why Feed Birds in Winter?

Winter is one of the most energetically demanding seasons for birds. They need extra calories to maintain body heat, yet natural seeds and insects become scarce. Feeding birds not only helps them endure harsh conditions but also brings beauty and activity to your backyard. Keeping feeders up into spring can even support migrating species on their long journeys north.

Top Tips for Winter Bird Feeding

1. Choose the Right Feeders

• Tube Feeders: Perfect for black oil sunflower, mixed seed, safflower, or peanuts. These attract chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, and finches.
• Hopper Feeders: Great for safflower, sunflower seeds, or cracked corn. They draw larger birds like cardinals, jays, and red-winged blackbirds.
• Suet Feeders: Suet is a high-energy food loved by woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches.

Avoid placing seed directly on the ground—it attracts deer and other unwanted guests. Instead, opt for mess-free seed blends and consider fencing feeders to keep wildlife out.

2. Provide Fresh Water

Water is just as critical as food. When natural sources freeze, birds struggle to stay hydrated. Use a sturdy birdbath in a sunny spot or invest in a heated birdbath to keep water accessible. Refresh water every other day and clean baths with a 9:1 water-to-vinegar solution.

3. Keep Feeders Clean

Dirty feeders can spread disease. Clean them every two weeks with a solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach, scrub thoroughly, and dry before refilling.

4. Offer High-Calorie Foods

Winter birds need quick energy. Stock feeders with:

• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Suet cakes
• Mealworms
• You can also offer fruits like apples, grapes, cherries, and oranges (asy-to-eat slices)

5. Create Shelter

Brush piles and bird boxes provide safe roosting spots during storms. Nest boxes can double as winter shelters.

Extra Tips for Success

• Fill feeders daily, ideally in late afternoon, to give birds an energy boost before nightfall.
• Spread feeders around at different heights for safety and variety.
• Brush snow and ice off feeders after storms.
• Leave seed-bearing plants and leaf litter in your garden for natural food sources.

Helping birds through winter is rewarding—for them and for you. With a little effort, you’ll enjoy a lively backyard full of color and song all season long.

Backyard Birder’s August Checklist

August is one of the most rewarding months for backyard birding. From the lively chatter of finches to the quick, darting visits of hummingbirds, you get a front-row seat to nature at its finest. But the heat of summer can be challenging for our feathered friends—especially as many prepare for late-summer and early-fall migration.

By making a few simple adjustments, you can keep your backyard buzzing with activity while giving birds the food, water, and safe spaces they need.

1. Keep Bird Baths Fresh and Clean

In hot weather, water sources can dry up or become stagnant quickly. Clean your bird baths often and refill them with fresh water daily. Birds rely on water not just for drinking, but also for bathing, which helps them keep their feathers in top condition.

2. Offer High-Quality, Energy-Rich Food

Provide a mix of high-calorie seeds, suet, and nuts. These energy-packed foods help birds maintain strength through the summer heat and build reserves for their upcoming migration.

3. Maintain Clean Feeders

Seed can mold or clump in humid weather. Empty and wash feeders regularly with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry before refilling. Clean feeders are healthier for birds and more inviting to visitors.

4. Keep Hummingbird Nectar Fresh

For hummingbird lovers, fresh nectar is a must. In summer heat, change and clean feeders every 2–3 days to prevent fermentation and bacteria growth.

5. Leave Natural Areas Untouched

Skip the urge to rake or blow away leaves as it provides shelter, food, and overwintering space for insects—which in turn feed young birds and other wildlife.

6. Say No to Pesticides

Avoid chemical pesticides in your yard. They can harm beneficial insects, reduce natural food sources, and even poison birds. Instead, encourage natural pest control by creating a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Conclusion

August birding is a way to support wildlife when they need it most. By providing fresh water, nutritious food, and safe spaces, you’ll enjoy more bird activity and know you’re helping these incredible creatures thrive.

Grab your binoculars, fill those feeders, and enjoy the beauty of summer birding right from your own backyard.

How to Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeders

If you’ve ever looked out your window hoping to catch a glimpse of your feathered friends—only to see a squirrel hanging upside down on your bird feeder instead—you’re not alone.

Squirrels may be cute, but they can also be relentless when it comes to raiding bird feeders. The good news? There are plenty of safe, effective, and humane ways to keep them from turning your backyard into their personal buffet.

Here are some strategies to squirrel-proof your bird feeders—and keep your birdseed for the birds!

1. Follow the 5-7-9 Rule

Squirrels can seem like acrobats, but they do have limits. They generally can’t:

• Jump more than 5 feet vertically,
• Leap more than 7 feet horizontally, or
• Drop from more than 9 feet above.

Use this knowledge to your advantage. Place feeders outside of those ranges, ideally in open spaces where squirrels can’t jump from nearby trees or fences.

2. Suspend Feeders with Wire

Don’t have a spot that fits the 5-7-9 rule? Try using a long, sturdy wire to hang your feeder between two distant points. Squirrels struggle to navigate thin, flexible wire—especially if you make sure the feeder hangs at least 5 feet above the ground and 10 feet from the nearest launch point.

3. Invest in a Squirrel Baffle

These dome- or cone-shaped barriers block squirrels from climbing poles or jumping onto feeders. Most are easy to install and won’t harm the squirrels—just frustrate them enough to give up.

4. Pick the Right Seeds

Birds love sunflower seeds, and so do squirrels. If you’re looking for something less squirrel-tempting, try:

• Safflower seeds
• Nyjer (thistle) seeds
• White millet

Mixing these in with your regular seed may make your feeders less appealing to squirrels without deterring birds.

5. Add a Dash of Spice

Capsaicin—the compound that gives chili peppers their heat—is a squirrel deterrent. Birds can’t taste it, but squirrels can. Consider sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper into your birdseed mix.

6. Try a Spinning Feeder

Squirrels don’t do well with unstable footing. Some feeders are designed to spin or wobble when too much weight is applied, making it nearly impossible for squirrels to stay on board. You can also use a spinning hook to achieve a similar effect.

Always ensure these devices are safe and won’t injure the squirrel—just discourage it.

7. Give Squirrels Their Own Feeders

Giving squirrels their own feeder stocked with peanuts or dried corn may satisfy their appetites enough to keep them away from your bird feeders.

Some backyard birders find that keeping squirrels fed and happy (away from the birds) creates a peaceful balance.

8. Use a Slinky

Yes, a Slinky—as in the toy. Wrap one around your bird feeder pole and let it hang down. When squirrels try to climb up, the Slinky moves and drops them back to the ground in a harmless way.

9. Upgrade to a Caged Feeder

Caged bird feeders are designed with openings small enough to let birds through while keeping squirrels (and larger birds) out. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your birdseed. Feeds’n Needs has a variety of caged feeders available to choose from.

10. Keep Things Clean

Fallen seed and shells can attract rodents—including squirrels. Use a seed tray under your feeder or clean the ground regularly to reduce mess and discourage furry visitors.

What Not to Do

Please avoid harmful methods such as:

• Glue or adhesives
• Poison
• Petroleum jelly or grease

Squirrel-proofing is about creating a safe, respectful boundary—not harming the wildlife that shares your space.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with a little patience and creativity, you can create a squirrel-resistant setup that keeps your feeders full—for the birds.

Hand Feeding Birds Safely

If you spend enough time feeding backyard birds, chances are you’ll have close encounters with your backyard feathered friends. Maybe a hummingbird buzzes by as you hang up the feeder, or a curious chickadee flutters nearby while you fill the seed tray. With the right approach, it’s possible to hand feed birds. Before you try, it’s important to think about safety—for both you and the birds.

Safety First: When Hand Feeding Is (and Isn’t) a Good Idea
Before offering a snack from your palm, consider whether encouraging birds to get that close to people is truly safe in your environment. On private property with little foot traffic, building trust with wild birds may not pose much risk. But in busier areas, teaching birds to approach humans could put them in danger.
Some people are afraid of birds, and an unexpected visit from a feathered friend might lead to panic—potentially harming the bird. In public spaces like parks and beaches, feeding birds is often discouraged or even prohibited. Not only can larger birds like geese become overly aggressive once they lose their fear of people, but close encounters can sometimes result in injuries.
Before trying to feed birds by hand, check local regulations and think through the possible outcomes. ALWAYS wash your hands before and after contact with birds, feeders, or nests. Even trace amounts of sunscreen, lotion, or bug spray can harm their delicate feathers, and while rare, diseases can be passed between birds and humans.

Earning the Trust of Seed-Eating Birds
In areas where hand feeding is safe and allowed, it can be a truly rewarding experience. Songbirds like chickadees and nuthatches are often the most willing to approach humans.
Start by sitting quietly near a feeder while holding a small tray of seeds. Patience is key—spend several sessions just being a calm, non-threatening presence. As the birds grow more comfortable, you can gradually move closer to the feeder. Eventually, try standing with seeds in your open hand. If you’ve built enough trust, a brave little bird may land for a snack.

Feeding Hummingbirds from the Hand
Hummingbirds, with their lightning-fast movements and fearless curiosity, are often comfortable coming close. You can hold a small, handheld nectar feeder available at your local Feeds’n Needs and simply wait—many hummingbirds will zip over once they realize it’s safe. Don’t force interaction. These tiny birds are fragile, and even a gentle mistake could cause harm.

The experience of having a wild bird take food from your hand is both humbling and unforgettable. But it should always be approached with care. If there’s any doubt about the safety of hand feeding—for either the birds or the people around you—it’s best to enjoy their beauty from a respectful distance. A well-placed feeder and a quiet window view can offer just as much joy.

Sources:
Hand Feeding Birds: How to Do It Safely – Birds and Blooms

Best Methods to Attract Hummingbirds

There’s something magical about watching hummingbirds dart through your garden. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse or create a hummingbird haven, it’s easier than you might think to bring these amazing birds into your yard.

With the right combination of food, shelter, water, and thoughtful planting, you can turn your outdoor space into a hummingbird paradise. Here’s how to get started:

1. Feed Them Right

Nectar feeders are one of the quickest and most effective ways to attract hummingbirds, especially if you already have some near you yard. You can purchase a ready-made nectar mix, or easily make your own by combining 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. Boil the water, add the sugar, stir until dissolved, and cool completely before filling your feeder. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to four weeks.

Important Tips:

• Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring.
• The red coloring on the feeder is enough to attract them.
• If you’re not seeing any activity after a couple of weeks, move the feeder to a more visible location.

2. Choose the Right Feeder

There are two main types of hummingbird feeders:

• Tube-style feeders with ports at the bottom.
• Saucer-style feeders with openings on the top.

Whichever you choose, make sure it’s easy to clean and refill. Simpler designs with fewer nooks and crannies are ideal, as sugar water can ferment and grow harmful bacteria if not maintained properly. Clean feeders every 2–3 days (daily in hot weather) with hot water and a brush—avoid soap or rinse thoroughly if used.

3. Pick the Perfect Spot

Location matters when placing your feeder:

• Hang feeders in open areas where birds can spot predators.
• Avoid high-traffic spots near people or pets.
• Place feeders near shrubs or trees to provide perching and shade.
• Keep them close to windows (within 30 cm) or far away (over 1.8 m) to reduce window collisions.

4. Add a Source of Water

Hummingbirds love a gentle mist or small puddles for bathing. Here are a few ideas:

• Let dew collect naturally on large-leafed plants like maples or tulip trees.
• Mist your garden with a hose set to a fine spray.
• Set up a misting fountain or device near their favorite flowers.

Try running a misting spray at the same time every day for about 20 minutes—hummingbirds will start to show up right on schedule.

5. Provide Shelter and Nesting Materials

Shelter is essential for protecting hummingbirds from the elements and predators. You can offer shelter by planting a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees. Native plants are best—think spruce, pine, oak, maple, and birch.

When it comes to nesting, hummingbirds are particular. They usually build tiny, cup-shaped nests at the tip of branches, often over water. They use soft plant down (from milkweed, cattail, or thistle), animal hair, and spiderwebs for construction.

To support nesting:

• Let native plants go to seed to supply nesting material.
• Avoid using pesticides (even organic ones) that could harm spiders or insects hummingbirds rely on.
• Encourage lichen growth by reducing air pollution—lichens are key for nest camouflage.

6. Start a Hummingbird Garden

The best long-term strategy for attracting hummingbirds is to grow a garden full of their favorite flowers. Not only will it support the birds, but it will also beautify your yard. Choose a mix of bright, tubular flowers such as bee balm, columbine, salvia, and trumpet vine.

With just a bit of planning, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird-friendly sanctuary. Provide food, water, shelter, and nesting materials—and be patient. Once hummingbirds discover your space, they’re likely to return year after year.

Have you spotted a hummingbird in your garden yet?

Sources:
Hummingbird Attracting Methods | Blain’s Farm & Fleet Blog
Canadian Wildlife Federation: Hummingbirds

Attracting Downy Woodpeckers

March’s Bird of the Month is the Downy Woodpecker! With their colourful feathers and lively personalities, woodpeckers make a captivating addition to any backyard. Their distinctive habit of foraging vertically on tree trunks provides endless entertainment, while their diet of insects like beetles, grubs, and ants makes them valuable natural pest controllers for garden enthusiasts. You’ll know you have Downy Woodpeckers nearby when you hear their signature “drumming” as they tap on trees or other structures. Since Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents, they are a welcome presence in all seasons. But how can we create a backyard that’s inviting to these fascinating birds?

Offer a Variety of Food:
Downy Woodpeckers enjoy a diverse diet, foraging for insects, nuts, and berries in the wild. In your yard, they’ll appreciate offerings like suet, peanut butter, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. These birds are often quite cautious, so placing feeders and water sources in quieter corners of your yard, especially near mature trees, will help them feel at ease.

Make sure any suet you provide stays fresh. You can break it into smaller pieces or use suet cakes packed with sunflower seeds, which they will devour quickly.

Provide Clean, Fresh Water:
While Downy Woodpeckers do enjoy visiting birdbaths, they are somewhat shy about using them. Placing them in more secluded spots is ideal. A ground bird bath with a dripper or moving water feature will catch their attention, make sure the water depth is shallow—around 1-2 inches is perfect.  Adding perches nearby will make them accustomed to the bath over time. Always keep the bath clean to avoid the spread of disease. In winter, it’s essential to offer heated bird baths so the birds have access to fresh water even in freezing temperatures.

Create Safe, Secure Sheltering and Nesting Areas:
Downy Woodpeckers thrive in small, wooded spaces surrounded by mature trees, with the added benefit of shrubs, especially those with berries. They nest in tree cavities but will also appreciate a well-positioned birdhouse with an entrance hole suited to their size, mounted 10-20 feet above the ground.

Attracting Too Many Woodpeckers
While it’s a joy to host woodpeckers in your yard, sometimes, these birds can cause problems. If they begin pecking at wooden siding, eaves, fences, or even chimneys and downspouts, the damage can be significant. To prevent this, repair any damage and cover the area with wire mesh or netting to deter further pecking. Hanging reflective items near the problem area can also help prevent woodpeckers from targeting inappropriate surfaces.

By providing these woodpecker-friendly resources, you can enjoy the company of these energetic and charming birds while keeping them safe and content in your backyard.

Sources:
Attract Downy Woodpeckers to Your Backyard – Songbird Station
Different Woodpecker Species and How to Attract Them

How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard

February’s Bird of the Month is the Northern Cardinal! With their striking red feathers and beautiful songs, cardinals are a favourite among bird watchers. These non-migratory birds can become year-round visitors if you create a welcoming space with the right mix of food, water, and shelter. Here’s our tips on how to attract them to your yard:

1. Offer the Right Food
– Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: Easy to crack open and nutrient-rich.
– Safflower Seeds: A favourite of cardinals but not as appealing to squirrels.
– Suet, Cracked Corn, and Berries: Good supplementary options.
Consider purchasing seed mixes designed for cardinals. These blends typically include their favourite seeds.

2. Use the Right Feeders
Cardinals prefer ground feeders, so provide options like:
– Tray, Platform, or Hopper Feeders: These allow for easy perching.
– Covered Feeders: Protects food from rain and snow.
– Placement: Set feeders 4-6 feet above the ground near shrubs for safe escapes.
Keep feeders clean and stocked to encourage frequent visits.

3. Provide Fresh Water
A bird bath is essential for attracting cardinals, offering both drinking and bathing opportunities. Cardinals prefer deeper baths, ideally placed on the ground to match their feeding habits. In winter, a heated bath or de-icer will prevent freezing.

4. Create Shelter
Cardinals like dense shrubs and evergreen trees for shelter, so adding plants like dogwoods or honeysuckles can help. They also nest in low bushes, so leave out materials like twigs or pine needles for them to use.

Things to Avoid
– Reflective Surfaces: Prevent window collisions by using screens or bird netting.
– Harmful Chemicals: Avoid pesticides and herbicides near bird feeders.
– Predators: Keep feeding areas away from places where pets or predators can hide.

You can enjoy these beautiful birds all year long by offering the right food, water, and shelter!

Sources:
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard | Blain’s Farm & Fleet Blog
Attract Cardinals to Your Yard: 7 Tips and 3 Things to Avoid