Winter Bird Feeding Tips: How to Attract Cardinals to your feeder
Want to know how and what to feed the cardinals to attract them to your backyard this winter—and have them visiting your feeders more than ever? You’re in the right place!
There’s nothing more striking than seeing a cardinal against the backdrop of winter. Whether it’s the vibrant red of a male or the subtle, earthy tones of a female, cardinals are the pop of color we all need during the cold months. But unlike many other birds, these feisty redbirds don’t head south when the weather turns cold. Instead, they tough it out, braving the chill while relying on whatever they can forage from nature, including berries, nuts, and seeds, all while huddling for warmth in the shelter of evergreen trees or dense shrubs.
So, how can you help them survive and even thrive this winter? It’s easier than you might think.
1. Why Cardinals Need Extra Support in Winter
When the temperature drops, food becomes a rare commodity. Snow hides seeds, and the bare trees offer little to forage. Unfortunately, Cardinals don't store food for the winter, which means they need to find food on daily basics. For cardinals, they rely on your backyard feeder to make it through the cold months.
And here's the kicker—they don’t migrate like many other birds, so they need our help to stay fed and healthy. Think of it as providing a 24/7 winter diner for your local redbird. High-energy food is a must for them to keep warm, so your bird feeder is more than just a pretty addition to your backyard—it’s a lifeline.
2. Choosing the Right Bird Feeder for Cardinals
Cardinals aren’t picky eaters, but they do have a few preferences when it comes to feeders. Unlike tiny finches or sparrows, cardinals need a bit more room to perch. So, skip the tube feeder and opt for something that offers a sturdy, wide platform or hopper feeder. These feeders allow cardinals to comfortably settle and feast, and they’re sturdy enough to withstand winter’s unpredictable weather.
If you're looking to make your bird watching more easier, a smart bird feeder is a game changer to your backyard—getting alerts when bird visits at your feeder. You’ll never miss an opportunity to keep your feathered friends well-fed while enjoy your up-close bird watching whenver you're. A cozy dinner with a side of tech? Yes, please.
3. The Best Food to Offer Cardinals in Winter
Cardinals are all about high-calorie, nutritious snacks. If you want to make your backyard the hotspot for cardinals this winter, fill your feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds—which are like candy to a cardinal. Safflower seeds and peanuts are also big hits, offering both protein and fat to fuel their survival. And don’t forget about suet. When the cold weather rolls in, cardinals need that extra boost of fat to keep their energy up. If you want to go above and beyond, try adding mealworms for a little protein-packed treat. Keep the food fresh, though—cardinals are gourmet eaters and wouldn’t appreciate a stale meal.
4. Placement and Maintenance of Your Feeder
Now that you’ve got the right feeder and food, where should you put it? Cardinals are fairly easy to please when it comes to location, but they do like a safe spot that offers a good view (in case they spot a hungry neighbor bird) and a quick escape route. Place your feeder near shrubs or evergreen trees, which provide shelter and protection from the elements.
And remember, feeders get messy—especially in winter. Snow, ice, and wet conditions can cause seed buildup and mold, so give your feeder a good cleaning every few weeks. Keep things tidy, and your cardinals will thank you with a regular visit.
5. Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Winter Habitat
A well-stocked feeder is great, but cardinals also need a little extra comfort in the winter. Imagine trying to survive a snowstorm with no shelter—pretty tough, right? That’s why offering natural protection is key. Dense bushes, evergreen trees, or shrubs give cardinals the perfect place to retreat when they need shelter from the wind, or when an unfriendly hawk is eyeing them.
Another pro tip? Keep a heated birdbath nearby. Cardinals are notorious for loving a good bath, even when the temperatures drop, and they’ll appreciate having access to unfrozen water all season long. Bonus: it adds some sparkle to your winter landscape, too!
6. Fun Winter Cardinal-Watching Tips
Birdwatching in winter is one of the simple joys of the season, and cardinals are the perfect subject. Male cardinals, with their bright red plumage, are hard to miss. Females, though more muted in color, have quiet beauty all their own.
The best time to spot cardinals? Early mornings or late afternoons, when they’re most active. Try keeping a birdwatching journal or challenge yourself to see how many cardinals you can count in a week. It’s a fun family activity and a great way to get everyone involved in the wonder of nature. It's a birdwatching scavenger hunt right in your own backyard. Solar Bird Feeder Camera with AI Identification adds more fun to your backyard bird watching.
Leave a comment