How to keep birds fed and happy this winter

As Minnesotans, we know how tough winter can be, and backyard birds face the same challenges. When the snow piles up and temperatures plummet, natural food sources become scarce. This is when bird feeders become a lifeline, providing essential nutrition to help birds survive until spring.

While some birds like chickadees and cardinals stick around all year, others, such as redpolls, pine siskins, and grosbeaks, may travel far from their usual habitats in search of nourishment.

Best foods for winter bird feeding

Winter bird feeding revolves around three main food types: large seeds, small seeds, and suet.

Large seeds, such as black-oil sunflower, safflower, and peanuts, are favorites among cardinals, blue jays, and finches. Cardinal mixes (sunflower, safflower, peanuts) are especially p