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Seasonal Guide: What to Feed Birds in Fall & Winter

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When the weather turns cold, backyard bird feeding becomes more than a hobby, it’s a lifeline for our feathered visitors. Natural food sources like insects, berries, and seeds start to disappear, and birds rely on us a little more for the energy they need to stay warm.


I’ve been feeding year-round for years, and I’ve learned that what you offer in fall and winter can make a big difference. Here’s my simple, tried-and-true guide for what to feed (and how to feed) during the colder months.


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🍂 Fall Feeding: Fuel for Migration and Cooler Days


Fall is a season of transition. Some birds are bulking up before migration, while others are preparing to stay through the snow. This is when I start introducing richer, higher-fat blends to help them store energy.


Best foods to offer in fall:




Fall feeding tips:


  • Keep feeders full and consistent, migrating birds will return to dependable food sources.

  • Clean feeders weekly to prevent mold during damp weather.

  • Keep a clean bird bath available, fresh water helps birds stay hydrated and clean their feathers before migration.


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❄️ Winter Feeding: Warmth and High-Energy



When temperatures drop and snow hits the ground, birds need calorie-dense foods to stay warm and survive long, cold nights.


Best foods to offer in winter:




Winter feeding tips:


  • Refill feeders early in the morning when birds need the most energy.

  • Offer both seed and suet to attract a wider range of species.

  • Always keep an eye on your suet, replace if it becomes overly soft or wet.

  • Add a heated bird bath to your setup. Open water can be hard to find in winter, and it’s one of the easiest ways to support birds through freezing temperatures.


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🪶 Best Feeder Setups for Cold Weather



If you want your feeders to stay active through winter, variety is key. Each type of feeder serves a different group of birds:


  • Hopper feeders: perfect for larger blends. I especially love the ones that have suet cages built-in!

  • Tube feeders: great for smaller seeds and all weather!

  • Suet cages: essential for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. I love the ones with a tail prop for large woodpeckers!



📸 Smart Bird Feeders are also great this time of year. Birds stay active longer through cold mornings, and the snow makes for beautiful, high-contrast footage.




🌻 Quick Feeding Checklist


✅ Offer high-fat, high-protein foods in cold weather

✅ Add suet to every setup for essential energy

✅ Keep feeders clean and dry

✅ Provide water when possible, even a heated dish helps




💌 Final Thoughts



Feeding birds through fall and winter is one of my favorite parts of the season. It brings life and color to gray days, and it genuinely helps the birds that stay behind and brave the long winter months.


If you haven’t tried feeding through the colder months yet, this is your sign to start. The birds will thank you, and I promise, it’ll brighten your winter more than you expect!


If you try any of these tips, tag @chirpnook on social media, I’d love to see what’s visiting your feeders this season!



🛒 Shop My Favorites:


🪶 Lyric Peanut Pieces Suet Cake on Amazon

🪶 Kingsyard Hopper Bird Feeder

🪶 Kingsyard Tube Bird Feeder

🪶 Kingsyard Suet Feeder



If you’re a bird brand interested in working together, email me at birds@chirpnook.com


Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested and love.


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