Your backyard birds are great friends to have during winter storms. Winter can be hard for birds, and so are the feeders we put out to help them. There are different challenges that we must overcome every time we face new issues like snow storms, ice, and wind. There are different ways we can aid birds, but placing feeders in better locations can put feathered visitors at risk to focus on other dangers. One of these places, when it starts snowing, becomes dangerous for birds and considerate of your feeders.
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Check PriceWhy It’s Important to Place Your Bird Feeder Correctly in Winter
Bird feeders become vital to birds such as cardinals, chickadees, finches, and juncos during winter storms. With freezing temperatures, birds need to be able to access a food source to gain enough energy to survive the cold. Also, winter weather and feeding birds presents an increased risk for many hazards while placing bird feeders.
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When ice builds up, it can turn common hazards into serious dangers. For example, a light branch that poses no problem in the summer could become an ice-coated limb that is ready to break and could weigh over 100 pounds. Winds that are calm in the summer are July could result in unanchored feeders being toppled and even dangerously swung during snow storms. Snow builds up and blocked access routes. Ground feeders are buried and it becomes difficult to feed birds because of the dangerously slippery and difficult landing zones.
Hawks and other cats take advantage of stealthy cover storms to hunt more birds. Other animals may take to the storm to prey on birds in greater numbers than usual, and the risk may be more than normal. With snow blowing and in the sky, visibility is reduced. Poorly placed feeders will turn safe feeding zones quickly into danger zones.
Finding winter placement is not just for your convenience, but also to provide safe shelter for the birds. The right placements will protect them from the elements and any predatory risks. You will also want to keep feeders functional through the winter season for bird visitors.
The Big No: Do NOT Hang Feeders Under Tree Limbs or Overhanging Branches
Here is one placement rule you can't ignore when winter storms are coming: never hang feeders directly below tree limbs or overhanging branches. This spot creates multiple serious risks that are extremely dangerous when conditions get harsh.
Heavy snow and ice can make branches into danger zones. In a significant storm a normal sized oak or maple branch will collect 30 to 50 pounds of ice. When the weight of the ice becomes excessive it causes the branch to break off and fall. This can crush bird feeders or injure birds and create a hazard zone. Branches do not have to break completely either as limbs that crack off can rain down ice and bark onto whatever is below.
Wind makes the situation worse. Storm gusts become battering rams for the overhanging branches, smashing feeders and protective covers or scattering seed, and turning branchers into, and crashing into feeders while breaking protective covers. Birds trying to feed get scared as the movement of the branches and noise make more than the purpose of providing food in a stressful time.
Birds can face another real danger when snow-covered branches trap them inside a bird feeder or create obstacles to escape. If feeders are hung close to branches that accumulate heavy, wet snow, birds may become confused and trapped during snow storms. When startled, birds will often fly up to escape. Branches that are covered with snow and hang low will obstruct that escape route. This makes them easy prey for a predator, or may even cause injury to the birds.
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Next is the “Squirrel Highway” problem. Normally, squirrels getting to your feeders from above can be a nuisance. But in the winter storms, they get downright severe. Squirrels are desperate for calories. When squirrels learn how to use the branches as bridges, they will readily overrun your overhead accessible feeders… often clearing them out within a few hours and leaving nothing for the birds. Those branches that you thought would offer nice cover actually provide an express route for the exact critters you’re trying to manage.
Proximity to tree trunks isn't beneficial either. Bark that is coated in ice becomes a slippery launching pad for climbing predators, and the trunk channels wind in different directions, creating turbulence where the birds are trying to land and feed.
Bird-Safe Alternatives to Storm Hazards
The great thing is, many feeder locations provide safety and protection from the weather, as well as the dangers that overhead branches create.
Additionally, open yard placement of around 10 to 15 feet from cover is paramount. Place feeders in a clear spot where they will not be reached by falling branches, but close enough to shrubs or evergreens so birds can quickly escape from predators up high. This distance offers you sightlines to observe feeder use and provides birds with enough cover. This arrangement will remain functional and accessible during storms when options based on trees do not.
Pole-mounted feeders that come with baffles give outstanding protection from storms. Use strong metal poles that are 5 feet or taller, with correct ground anchoring systems that will not move in frozen soil. Also, place squirrel baffles on both top and bottom sides of the feeders. If possible, place your poles on the leeward side of your house or garage—this offers wind protection and no overhead dangers. The goal is to create a solid vertical feeding station that is completely tree independent.
Bird feeders that are at the bottom level are great for juncos, sparrows, and mourning doves. For these birds, feeding low to the ground is preferred. When possible, try to place the feeders near the ground south-facing walls or fences where there is a slight overhang from the building. This can protect the feeders from snow, but also be careful about falling ice. Not only do these feeders need to be within close walking distance of your house so you can shovel the walks. A feeder made of plywood with short legs is two feet from a house wall and stays snow-free, attracting birds that will not compete at hanging feeders.
Window feeder deserve some consideration also. Although they hold less seed, they are also completely protected from falling debris, easy to refill during bad weather and allow you to watch birds without going outside during the worst part of the storm.
Winter Setup and Maintenance Tips for Feeders to Prepare for Storms
Preparing your feeders for a storm is easy and can make a big impact during severe weather.
Ensure everything is secure, or anchored with no chance of leaning in ground that is frozen. When using hanging feeders, use locking carabiners or S-hooks instead of standard hooks which can loosen in the wind. For shepherd's hooks, use commercial grade models designed for heavy feeders instead of decorative garden ones.
Fill bird feeders before stormy weather arrives. Birds need high calorie foods such as black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, nuts, and nyjer seeds to survive freezing temperatures. Woodpeckers, finches, cardinals, and chickadees rely on these foods. Birds will feed just before and right after storms. It’s best to prepare feeders for the whole storm.
Every snowfall or ice storm you will want to clear ice from feeder ports to keep food accessible. You may prefer to use a small brush to keep food accessible to the birds; a small portable brush placed by the door may be ideal. Snow falls crease ports that need to be cleared to keep food available at feeding stations for your birds.
If possible, provide liquid water. Heated bird baths or water dishes can be as critical as food during extremely cold weather. Position them close to feeders, but not directly under them to prevent ice hazards below feeding stations.
Over time, monitor and adjust your bird feeders. Pay attention to how birds use your feeders in the first winter storm. If you see birds hesitating to feed or abandoning the feeders, then you should make adjustments before more snow arrives.
When you take the time to put feeders away from hazards and maintain them throughout the winter, you will create a great shelter for your backyard birds that will help them survive all kinds of storms. Thoughtful feeder placement and winter cleaning provide shelter to your feathered friends in adverse weather. Happy birding!
