A hawk perches on a branch among sparse autumn leaves, blending in with the tree. The sky is bright blue in the background.

The cloudless sky bore the sun’s full potential while the earth exhaled and uncoiled, basking in its warmth and affection. The landscape seemed to soften and stretch in the golden rays as all of God’s creatures took advantage of her benevolence.  A rare gift indeed.

A red cardinal sits on a snowy branch, surrounded by snow-covered trees. The image is slightly blurred with water droplets visible on the camera lens.

During early Winter to early-Spring, birds benefit from an augmented diet as Fall’s seeds are mostly gone, and insects have yet to make an appearance. Birds don’t necessarily need our help, but why not offer it and relish their presence?

A close-up of a mixed pile of bird seeds, including sunflower seeds, millet, sorghum, and other small grains in various shades of brown, tan, and black.

Before you begin parsing out bread scraps, which is technically never advisable, or buying seed, take a moment to learn what to feed them and how. There’s even tips for attracting certain birds with their favorite fare:

A large woodpecker with a red crest clings to a suet feeder on a metal hook, surrounded by trees and green foliage, with a road and parked car visible in the background.

It’s recommended to choose one type of food. In other words, consider offering sunflower seeds, thistle seeds or suet cakes as opposed to a mix of seeds. It’s believed you’ll have more success and less waste.  However, if you’re just starting out, a wild bird seed mix will do just fine.  It’s also important to keep feeders clean by occasionally washing with soap and water. Further still, toss any moldy seeds as they can sicken birds.

A close-up of two bird feeders hanging outdoors on a snowy day, with houses, leafless trees, and a cloudy sky in the background.

There are three different types of feeders – cages that hold suet cakes, thistle feeders that are cylindrical and have tiny holes, so smaller-billed birds can feed, and hopper style feeders. It’s recommended to find a feeder that comes with a squirrel baffle, but none are 100% squirrel proof.

A small gray bird is perched on the back of a black metal chair outdoors, near a tree and a road, with green grass in the background.

Chickadees prefer sunflower seeds, suet and peanuts. Usually, you’ll only see one Chickadee feeding at a time as there’s a pecking order (no pun intended).  Cardinals prefer sunflower seeds. Consider buying shelled sunflower seeds as they are less messy but more expensive.  Goldfinches have a penchant for thistle seeds. If you want to attract these dainty beauties, opt for a thistle feeder, which will also keep bigger birds at bay.  Woodpeckers, though quite adept at finding larvae and insect eggs within tree bark, will eat suet and peanuts.

An American robin with an orange belly stands in the water of a round stone birdbath, surrounded by mulch and a few scattered plants.

Remember to offer water when possible as it is equally as important as food. Heated birdbaths are available that keep water from freezing. Then, with a little patience and know how, you’ll be enjoying frequent visits from our feathered friends. We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

A cluster of vibrant red berries grows on a bush with dark green leaves, set against a blurred background of more foliage.

Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly

Deciduous, dwarf Holly produces masses of colorful berries that remain through most of Winter.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Attracts wildlife, although deer resistant.

“The iridescent grackles come in swarms,
Pale-yellow-eyed and walk the russet banks
While rusty crows, like spirits of an evil,
Are silhouettes upon the sheets of winter.
This is the mood of whites and grays and blacks…”
~John Lee Higgins

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney