As Alberta’s winter settles in, backyard feeders provide critical support to birds facing scarce natural food sources. They also create an excellent opportunity to observe the beauty of Alberta’s winter birds up close. Here’s how to set up your feeders, maintain them, and even contribute to the Christmas Bird Count this season.
Choosing the Right Feeders for Alberta Birds
Different bird species prefer specific feeders and foods. Offering a variety will help attract a diverse range of Alberta’s winter birds:
- Platform Feeders: Open, flat feeders appeal to ground-feeding birds like dark-eyed juncos and blue jays. Use black-oil sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn.
- Peanut Feeders: Whole or shelled peanuts attract woodpeckers, blue jays, and nuthatches, which rely on high-energy foods in winter.
- Suet Feeders: Suet cakes are a favorite of downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, and black-capped chickadees, providing essential fats for cold days.
- Tube Feeders: Perfect for small birds like red-breasted nuthatches and pine siskins, especially when filled with sunflower seeds or nyjer.
- Hopper Feeders: With a covered design that protects seeds from snow, these attract a variety of birds like house finches, sparrows, and chickadees.
Feeder Placement Tips
Proper feeder placement keeps birds safe and ensures you enjoy their visits:
- Window Safety: Place feeders either within 2 feet of your house (so birds can’t gain speed to collide with windows) or at least 15 feet away to minimize the risk of window strikes.
- Cover from Predators: Position feeders near trees or shrubs to provide hiding spots, but not so close that predators can easily ambush the birds.
- Weather Protection: Choose spots sheltered from strong winds or heavy snow to keep the feeders accessible.
- Visibility: Place feeders where you can easily see them from your home for maximum enjoyment.
Keeping Feeders Clean
Keeping feeders clean is critical to preventing the spread of diseases like salmonella among birds. While soapy water is a good start, feeders need to be sanitized with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water). Clean feeders every two weeks, or more frequently during heavy use. Rinse thoroughly after bleaching and allow them to dry completely before refilling. Additionally, clear away spilled seeds and debris under feeders to deter pests.
Participate in the Christmas Bird Count on December 15
Nature Calgary’s Christmas Bird Count is happening on December 15, and you can contribute as a Feeder Watcher by observing the birds visiting your backyard feeders. Your observations will help track local bird populations and contribute to long-term conservation efforts.
To participate, your feeders must be located within the designated circle, which you can view here. Registration is simple—sign up here.
Alberta’s Winter Birds Await
By setting up and maintaining your feeders, you’ll support Alberta’s winter birds like chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, and woodpeckers through the toughest months of the year. For tips and tricks, check out our YouTube video on how to feed birds. Whether you’re enjoying their visits or contributing to the Christmas Bird Count, your efforts will make a meaningful difference this season.
Happy birdwatching!