National Bird-Feeding Month: Food, Water, and Shelter (Made Simple)
February can be one of the hardest months for wild birds. Natural food sources are limited, snow and ice can cover what’s left, and cold nights demand extra energy just to stay warm. That’s exactly why National Bird-Feeding Month exists—to remind all of us to give birds a boost when they need it most.
The original message behind National Bird-Feeding Month is straightforward: provide food, water, and shelter to help wild birds survive winter.
And the good news is you don’t need a complicated setup to make a real difference. A few smart choices—done consistently—can turn your yard into a reliable stop for birds all winter long.
At Duncraft, we’ve been helping backyard birders connect with nature since 1952. This guide breaks down the “big three” (food, water, shelter) with practical steps you can use right away—plus a quick checklist and FAQs at the end.
Why National Bird-Feeding Month Matters
National Bird-Feeding Month began with a congressional proclamation read on February 23, 1994, encouraging people to support wild birds during “one of the most difficult months” of the year by providing food, water, and shelter.
That idea still holds up today. In winter, birds burn calories fast. When food and liquid water are hard to find, your backyard can become a critical resource—especially during cold snaps and storms.
1) Food: Keep It Nutritious, Fresh, and Reliable If you only do one thing for National Bird-Feeding Month, make it this: keep a steady, quality food source available. Birds quickly learn which yards are dependable.
Choose foods birds actually eat
A common frustration for birders is “waste seed” (the stuff birds toss aside). In winter, you’ll get better results with higher-value options that birds prioritize:
- Black oil sunflower: a go-to for many backyard species
- Sunflower hearts/chips: high energy, less mess
- Peanuts/peanut pieces: great protein and fat (offer in appropriate feeders)
- Suet: winter powerhouse, especially for woodpeckers and insect-eaters
If you’re aiming for finches, Nyjer® seed can be a magnet—just use a feeder designed for it so it stays clean and dry.
Match the feeder to the food
The right pairing keeps seed fresh and makes feeding easier for birds:
- Tube feeders → sunflower hearts/chips, mixed seed (depending on port size)
- Hopper feeders → blends, larger capacity, great for steady feeding
- Suet feeders → suet cakes/plug suet
- Nyjer® feeders or socks → Nyjer® seed for goldfinches and siskins
Placement matters more than people think
A few simple placement rules can improve bird comfort and reduce problems:
- Put feeders where birds can see predators coming, but still have nearby cover (like shrubs) to retreat to.
- Keep feeders away from places cats can hide and pounce.
- If squirrels are a constant issue, choose squirrel-resistant setups and use smart spacing and hardware.
Don’t forget feeder hygiene
Winter doesn’t eliminate germs. Birds still gather closely at feeders, and mold can still happen during wet spells. A basic routine helps keep your backyard flock healthier:
- Remove wet/clumped seed right away
- Clean feeders regularly (more often during warm or rainy periods)
- Let feeders dry completely before refilling
2) Water: The “Secret Weapon” for Bringing Birds In Many birders focus on seed and forget water—yet clean water can attract birds even faster than food. In winter, accessible water is often scarce, and birds need it for both drinking and feather care.
Keep it clean (and keep it moving if you can)
- Change water frequently (daily is ideal when it’s not frozen)
- Scrub out algae/debris as needed
- If possible, add moving water (a dripper or bubbler). Birds notice it.
Winter water tip: prevent freezing
In freezing conditions, a heated birdbath can be one of the most helpful things you offer all season. It keeps water available when puddles and shallow sources lock up with ice.
Place water like you place food
- Nearby cover is good, but avoid tight hiding spots predators love.
- Keep the area visible so birds feel safe coming in for a drink.
3) Shelter: Help Birds Save Energy and Stay Safe When temperatures drop, shelter isn’t just comfort—it’s survival. Shelter helps birds:
- conserve heat during cold nights
- hide from predators
- get out of wind, snow, and freezing rain
Easy shelter upgrades that work
You don’t need a full landscaping overhaul. Start with one or two of these:
Add evergreen cover
- Evergreens provide dense, reliable protection all winter.
- If you already have them, great—your job is to leave them “messy” and natural during winter.
Leave brush piles or natural corners
- A simple pile of branches in a back corner can become a shelter hotspot for sparrows, wrens, and other small birds.
Consider roosting space
- Some birds use cavities and protected spaces to roost at night.
- A roost-style box (different from a nesting box) can help in colder regions.
Keep it safe:
Shelter works best when birds can use it without extra risk:
- Keep feeding areas away from places predators can ambush
- If you get frequent window strikes, add window-safe measures where needed
A simple “Food + Water + Shelter” setup that works in most yards
If you want a balanced backyard station without overthinking it:
- Food: one primary feeder (sunflower hearts/chips or quality blend) + suet
- Water: one birdbath (heated if freezing temps are common)
- Shelter: evergreen cover or a brush pile corner or a protected shrub zone.
That’s it. Consistency beats complexity.
Quick-start checklist for National Bird-Feeding Month
Use this as your February refresh:
- ☐ Clean and refill feeders with fresh seed
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☐ Add a high-energy option (sunflower hearts, peanuts, and/or suet)
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☐ Set out clean water (consider a heated bath if temperatures freeze)
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☐ Check placement for safety (predator cover, window hazards, squirrel access)
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☐ Create at least one shelter zone (evergreen, brush pile, dense shrubs)
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☐ Keep a steady routine—birds rely on dependable yards in winter
