How To Help The Birds Through Winter

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - On a quiet winter's day, some of the busiest and noisiest spots in my neighborhood are the bird feeders in people's yards. If you join about 65 million other Americans in putting out seed, suet, breadcrumbs or other food for birds in winter, good for you, and good for the birds!

Winter is tough on birds - most of the berries and seeds on plants are gone, and insects are very scarce. So, any high-energy foods you can provide – including many birds' favorite black-oil sunflower seeds, or even things like peanut butter with oats, slices of fresh fruit, or raisins soaked in water to soften them - are very welcome.

And you may notice, the feeders that attract the biggest crowds all have evergreen trees or thickety shrubs close by to give the birds good cover where they can quickly fly to hide from predators or passersby.

You'll find lots of good tips on feeding the birds in winter, at Birds.Cornell.edu and extension.PSU.edu, as well as what to plant to welcome all kinds of wildlife to your yard at extension.PSU.edu/natural-resources.