Keep Your Backyard Birds Coming Back All Winter

Learn how bird feeders, fresh water, and bird-friendly plants can turn your South Shore backyard into a welcoming winter retreat.

Winter in Massachusetts doesn’t mean your backyard has to be quiet! Cardinals, chickadees, blue jays, and woodpeckers can bring plenty of color and activity to your garden, even on the coldest days.

At Wyman’s Garden Center in Hanson, MA, we love helping homeowners enjoy their gardens year-round. Here are a few simple ways to make your backyard more inviting to winter birds.

Choose the Right Birdseed and Feeders

Birds need extra energy during cold weather, and offering the right foods can attract a variety of species.

• Black oil sunflower seed: A favorite of cardinals, chickadees, and finches.
• Suet cakes: Great for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other winter visitors.
• Nyjer seed: Especially popular with goldfinches.
• Peanuts: An energy-rich treat for blue jays and woodpeckers.

Wyman’s carries Lyric Bird Seed and bird feeders to help you create an inviting feeding station. Remember to clean feeders regularly and remove spoiled seed to keep visiting birds healthy.

Don’t Forget Fresh Water

Finding unfrozen water can be difficult for birds during a New England winter.

A shallow birdbath provides an easy drinking spot, while a heated birdbath can keep water accessible during freezing temperatures. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean.

Let Your Landscape Provide Shelter

Your garden can provide more than just beauty during winter.

Evergreens such as spruce, arborvitae, and eastern red cedar offer protection from cold winds. Berry-producing shrubs like winterberry holly and native viburnums provide natural food sources.

Consider leaving seed heads on coneflowers and black-eyed Susans rather than cutting everything back. These plants provide food for birds and add interest to your winter landscape.

Create a Winter Birdwatching Spot

Position feeders where you can enjoy watching birds from a window, ideally near shrubs or evergreens that provide shelter.

To reduce window collisions, place feeders within three feet of a window or more than 30 feet away.

With a little planning, your backyard can become a favorite winter gathering place for feathered visitors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What birds can I attract during winter in Massachusetts?

Cardinals, chickadees, blue jays, tufted titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and goldfinches are common winter visitors.

What’s the best birdseed for winter?

Black oil sunflower seed is an excellent all-around choice. Adding suet and specialty seed blends can attract additional species.

Should I feed birds all winter?

You can offer supplemental food throughout winter, provided feeders are kept clean and local wildlife conditions permit. Remove feeders if bears become active.

Do birds need water in freezing weather?

Yes! A clean, unfrozen water source is especially helpful during cold weather.

Welcome Winter Birds with Wyman’s!

Whether you’re setting up your first bird feeder or improving your backyard habitat, Wyman’s Garden Center at 141 Spring Street in Hanson, MA is here to help. Stop by for birdseed, feeders, and friendly advice on making your garden a welcoming place for wildlife.

Stay connected! Get seasonal gardening tips, special offers, and helpful advice with the Wyman’s Garden Center App. Download the free app here.