Keep bird feeding safe in winter

Picture this: A chickadee lands on your carefully crafted pinecone feeder, coated with peanut butter or suet and seeds. You're feeling good about helping local wildlife. But wait! There's a catch here.

Feathers are more than beautiful-they're an essential survival tool. Their intricate structure includes thousands of tiny barbs that lock together to form a waterproof shield and provide insulation. They are an engineering masterpiece that makes NASA jealous! In winter, down feathers trap warm air, keeping birds cozy.

Photo by Steve Byland, Deposit Photo

A woodpecker getting fat on feet and belly - which can be dangerous for birds.

In summer, feathers protect against heat.

Here's the catch: When fats or oils get on feathers, they gum up those delicate barbs, creating gaps that let water and cold air reach a bird's skin. Clean feathers are crucial for survival - nature's version of an all-weather survival suit.

Imagine a bird landing on a shortening-covered pinecone or an exposed suet cake. As it hops around feeding, its feet or feathers pick up small amounts of fat. Later, while preening (with feet or bill), the bird spreads the grease onto its plumage. Sadly, birds can't fix it - bird saliva can't remove oils any more than we can wash oil off our hands without soap.

Photo by Elise Wolf

A goldfinch on wreath with bird-safe gelatin and sunflower seeds.

For birds, greasy feathers are a deadly liability. Compromised birds may spend days desperately trying to fix their feathers, taking time away from feeding and becoming weaker by the day. Many succumb to starvation or hypothermia, hidden from sight as they struggle.

Feed Safely, Feed Smart

First, choose the proper feeders. Avoid exposed suet balls, fat-slathered pinecones, or fats spread on trees. These allow direct contact with greasy substances. Instead, opt for cage-style suet feeders that prevent birds from standing on the food. Squirrel-proof feeders are especially effective. Next, pick the right location. Place feeders in the shade to keep fats from melting, and avoid feeding birds in forested areas with more nutritious options.

Selecting the proper fats is also crucial. True suet, the hard fat from a cow's loin, is ideal because it stays dry and crumbly, even in warmer conditions. Pure peanut butter is another safe option if you pour off the oil. Avoid soft fats like vegetable oils, bacon grease, or fatty meat trimmings-they spread easily and can harm feathers.

Additionally, clean feeders regularly with hot, soapy water to prevent grease buildup, and replace suet weekly during winter. Birds also benefit from breaks in suet feeding, encouraging them to seek more nutritious natural foods. Finally, avoid feeding suet in spring and summer. During these seasons, birds need high-protein diets to raise their young, and suet doesn't match the nutritional value of insects or seeds.

Better Alternatives for Birds

Sunflower seeds, which are nearly 50 percent fat and 22 percent protein, provide excellent nutrition without the risks of greasy feathers. Gelatin-based wreaths with de-hulled sunflower seeds are another bird-safe option and make a fun craft project.

These small steps will support your feathered friends safely, making you an ally in their survival. Bird-friendly recipes are available at http://www.nativebirdcare.org.

Elise Wolf directs Native Bird Care Avian Rescue in Sisters.