We are so lucky to live in an area populated by overwintering birds. As gardeners, we’ve left last summer’s seed heads for our feathered friends to have cover and food midway through cold weather, but by January, these resources are starting to deplete. Feeders help sustain them until they fly back to their summer range. They also give us an opportunity to watch them as they visit gardens throughout the season.
Many families are now removing and disposing of their live Christmas trees. This is an excellent time to reuse the tree to provide shelter and food for birds in our backyards. I love the idea of decorating the tree with food and placing it strategically where we can watch as they feed on this feast of various nuts, seeds and grains.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN PROTECT AND FEED WINTERING BIRDS THIS SEASON:
Location:
Visible from your house and sheltered from strong winds
Secure tree:
Attach tree stand to plywood for base
Menu:
- Pinecones slathered in peanut butter and rolled in birdseed
- Birdseed formed into hanging ornaments using cookie cutters
- Popcorn, no salt, strung on twine
- Seedheads
- Used grapefruit halves, strung raisins, cranberries or orange rings
- Cheerios on pipe cleaners
- Millet sprays
Decorate:
- Place larger items first.
- Peanut-butter pinecones placed high to foil squirrels and dogs
Nesting Materials:
- Dead twigs
- Dry grass
- Dead leaves
- Feathers
- Plant fluff
- Moss
- Bark strips
- Pine needles
- Natural fiber yarn
With a little creativity and care, your discarded Christmas tree can become a lifeline for wintering birds — and a source of joy each time you spot a flutter of wings in your garden.