11/08/2025
Winter Bird Feeding
There’s a bit of disagreement between the Old Farmer’s Almanac and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding their winter 2025-2026 forecasts*. Regardless, you can expect those birds to be in your backyard searching for food!
Here are some helpful winter feeding tips from Rochester Pet:
- Now is a great time to give you feeders a thorough cleaning. They are exposed to the elements and can develop mold under the right conditions. Once they’re clean, fill them with the birds’ favorite treats!
- As the feeders get low, avoid simply adding new seed on top. To keep your backyard feeding station appealing and fresh, mix any remaining seed with the new supply, particularly if you’re using seed blends.
- Suet is also a great option, and not just for woodpeckers. Many birds enjoy suet as it provides a high-energy treat that’s perfect for winter when birds need to keep warm!
-Seed tends to disappear quickly in winter, so ensure you’re prepared for the season. It’s tough on birds when they have a reliable food source at the start of winter, but it becomes scarce later on.
- Position your feeders where you can easily enjoy the view from indoors! It’s wonderfully cozy to watch the birds while staying warm inside.
*If you’re interested in this winter’s predictions: The Old Farmer’s Almanac states, "Mild winter by local standards with some snowy bursts" but drier than average. In contrast, NOAA forecasts cooler and wetter conditions are expected for most northern states.
