The times get rough in winter for birds

In case you haven’t noticed, winter is fast approaching and for birds, that can mean big trouble.

For one thing, insects die off and there goes a big source of food for many birds. For another, freezing weather can be fatal, even with fluffed-up feathers for protection.

That’s where you can come to the rescue.

Provide bird houses where our feathered friends can find shelter from the cold.

Provide a source of fresh, clean water. If your birdbath freezes solid, think about a temporary replacement, perhaps an overturned garbage can lid or a cast-iron frying pan filled with water.

And don’t forget the bird food. You’re in good company feeding birds since an estimated 55 million people feed their avian friends in the United States.

By far the best overall bird food is black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are nutritious, high in fat and have a high meat-toshell ratio. Also good are striped sunflower seeds, but they have a thicker shell and are harder for birds to crack.

Corn is a favorite food for some birds, including jays, pigeons and doves. However, if you throw it out on the ground, be prepared for the raccoons and deer it may attract. Plus, it can go moldy.

Robins, bluebirds and waxwings like fruit, such as slices of apples and oranges. Fruit and frozen berries delight cowbirds, tanagers and orioles.

And don’t forget suet. You can make a homemade variety with lard and cornmeal or you can just do like I do and buy a variety of pre-formed suet blocks at grocery and hardware stores. I hang mine in a little plastic cage.

Remember, shelter, water and food will be especially welcome by winter birds. You can help them make it to spring, a season we will all be ready for.