Sub Zero Temperatures Are For the Birds Unless You Are One

When temperatures get this cold, even the feathered ones need some help to survive. The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension have some tips on how to help them cope and add some beauty to your back yard too.

Keep Water Flowing

Yes it's nearly impossible when it's this cold. But use a shallow bowl and set it out at the same time each day. Even better once in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Cold Weather Food

Suet is the best food in winter, it provides extra calories and helps keep them warm. It can be purchased in stores or can be easily with lard, corn meal and peanut butter. Another option is smearing peanut butter on pine cones and rolling them in birdseed. The Farmer's Almanac has a recipe for making suet.

Warm Cover

Birds seek out evergreen trees in cold temperatures. If there aren't any, birdhouses work too. Cornell's website All About Birds has tips on winterizing your bird houses.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension