Providing Shelter for the Winter Birds in Your Landscaping
Introduction
Depending on where you live, you may have noticed some birds lingering in your landscaping throughout the winter season. How can you make their stay more pleasant? If you want to help your feathered friends during the colder months, here are some simple tips and tricks to get started.
Should You Provide Shelter for Winter Birds?
A Bright Goldfinch Enjoying a Winter Meal
While birds have their own ways of keeping warm during winter, they might need extra assistance in areas with strong winds, heavy snowfall, or low temperatures. As trees shed their leaves, natural protection from the elements and predators diminishes. Offering shelter in your yard is a wonderful way to keep birds safe and comfortable.
What Shelter Options Are Appropriate?
There are many ways to create bird shelters, depending on your preferences and the effort you’re willing to invest.
A Brush Pile Creating Shelter in a Forest Environment
So how should you build bird shelters? There are actually a lot of different options depending on what you are willing to do and what you want it to look like.
Create a Brush Pile
A brush pile is a quick and effective option to protect local birds. Follow these steps:
- Collect small and large branches to build the bulk of the pile.
- Ensure there are plenty of air spaces within the pile for birds to roost.
- Add evergreen boughs to provide extra warmth and protection.
- Place the pile in a sheltered area, away from strong winds.
Incorporate Evergreen Trees
Filling your landscaping with evergreen trees is another excellent solution. These trees retain their foliage year-round, offering birds consistent shelter from the elements. Additionally, many evergreen species produce nuts, seeds, or berries, which serve as a natural food source.
Install Roost Boxes
Roost boxes are specialized shelters designed for smaller birds. They:
- Retain heat effectively due to their compact size.
- Provide secure roosting spaces for multiple birds.
- Can be purchased at bird supply stores or made at home with simple materials.
Use Winter Birdhouses
Winter birdhouses are another viable option. While not as efficient as roost boxes, they still offer protection from harsh weather. You can also winterize regular birdhouses to make them more suitable for the colder months.
How to Make Your Shelter More Appealing
Once you’ve decided on a shelter type, use these tips to make it safer, warmer, and more inviting for birds:
A Charming Birdhouse Home for a Woodland Visitor
- Position Shelters to Face South: This orientation maximizes exposure to the winter sun, helping the shelter stay warmer.
- Choose Sheltered Locations: Place shelters in isolated areas protected from wind and snow, such as along sheds, in fence corners, or under trees.
- Use Dark Colors: Paint birdhouses and roost boxes in dark colors like gray, green, or brown to absorb heat and provide camouflage.
- Add Insulating Materials: Provide wood chips, straw, grass, or other nesting materials inside the shelters. These help birds retain body heat more effectively.
Final Thoughts on Bird Shelters
Creating shelters for winter birds is a thoughtful way to support your local wildlife. Birds that stay in your area during the colder months will undoubtedly appreciate your efforts.
If you have questions about integrating bird shelters into your landscaping or want professional advice on creating a bird-friendly yard, contact Arborist Now for help!
Originally published on February 1, 2019.
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