How to Set Up Bird Feeders in November: Essential Tips for Supporting Winter Wildlife

As winter approaches, food sources for birds become scarcer, and setting up bird feeders in November is an excellent way to provide essential nourishment for local wildlife. Not only does feeding birds help them survive the cold months, but it also creates a lively, bird-friendly environment in your garden. By placing bird feeders strategically and using the right types of food, you can attract a variety of bird species while offering them a reliable source of nutrition. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up bird feeders in November to support wildlife through winter and enjoy the beauty of birds in your garden.

Why Is Setting Up Bird Feeders in November Important?

As temperatures drop and natural food sources like seeds, berries, and insects become harder to find, birds rely on supplemental feeding to get through the winter. Setting up bird feeders in November provides several benefits:

Helps birds survive winter: Feeding birds helps them maintain the energy they need to stay warm and active during colder months.
Supports local wildlife: By providing food, you help a variety of bird species thrive during times when natural resources are limited.
Attracts more birds to your garden: Setting up feeders brings a diverse range of birds to your garden, offering an enjoyable and educational wildlife experience.
Prepares for migration: Some bird species need extra energy to prepare for migration, while others rely on feeders throughout winter to survive until spring.

Providing consistent, high-quality food during the colder months helps birds stay healthy and strong, ensuring they’ll return to your garden year after year.

Top Tips for Setting Up Bird Feeders in November

1. Choose the Right Bird Feeders

Different types of bird feeders attract various species and accommodate different types of food. Selecting the right feeder for your garden depends on the birds you want to attract and the food you plan to provide.

Types of bird feeders:
Tube feeders: Ideal for small birds like finches, chickadees, and sparrows, tube feeders dispense small seeds like sunflower seeds or millet.
Hopper feeders: These feeders can hold larger quantities of mixed seeds and attract a wide range of birds, including cardinals, jays, and woodpeckers.
Platform feeders: Offering an open space for feeding, platform feeders are versatile and attract ground-feeding birds like doves, juncos, and robins.
Suet feeders: Designed to hold suet cakes, these feeders provide high-energy food that is especially important for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other birds that need extra fat during winter.
Tip: Use a variety of feeders to attract a diverse range of birds. Position feeders at different heights to cater to different species and feeding preferences.

2. Select the Right Bird Food

The type of food you offer plays a key role in attracting specific bird species to your feeders. In November, it’s important to provide high-energy foods that help birds stay warm and active during the cold months.

Best winter bird foods:
Black-oil sunflower seeds: Rich in fat and easy for birds to crack open, these seeds are popular with many species, including finches, chickadees, and cardinals.
Suet: A high-energy food made from animal fat, suet is essential for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other birds that need extra fat to maintain energy levels in winter.
Nyjer (thistle) seeds: Perfect for attracting finches, siskins, and goldfinches, these tiny seeds are a favorite among small songbirds.
Peanuts: Unsalted, shelled peanuts are a great source of protein and fat, attracting jays, woodpeckers, and other larger birds.
Millet: Ideal for ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows, millet is a nutritious option for winter feeding.
Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, and other dried fruits are enjoyed by robins, waxwings, and other fruit-eating birds.
Tip: Offer a variety of foods to cater to different bird species. Mixed seed blends are also a good option, but choose high-quality mixes that don’t contain filler seeds like milo, which most birds avoid.

3. Place Feeders in Safe Locations

Choosing the right location for your bird feeders is crucial for attracting birds and keeping them safe from predators. Feeders should be placed in areas that provide shelter, easy access, and protection.

Location tips:
Near cover: Place feeders near trees, shrubs, or hedges to give birds a safe place to retreat if they sense danger. Avoid placing feeders too far from cover, as birds may feel exposed to predators.
Away from windows: To prevent bird collisions with windows, place feeders either very close to the window (within 3 feet) or farther away (more than 10 feet). Window decals or films can also help make windows more visible to birds.
Off the ground: Mount feeders on poles or hang them from branches to keep them away from ground predators like cats. If using a platform feeder, place it on a stand with baffles to deter climbing animals like squirrels.
Wind protection: Position feeders in areas sheltered from strong winds to help conserve bird energy and prevent food from blowing away.
Tip: Clean your feeder locations regularly to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, or spoiled food, which can be harmful to birds.

4. Keep Feeders Clean

Clean bird feeders are essential for maintaining the health of the birds that visit your garden. Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria, mold, and diseases that can spread among bird populations, especially in winter when food sources are limited, and more birds may gather at feeders.

How to clean feeders:
Disassemble the feeder and remove old seeds, debris, and any visible mold or dirt.
Soak the feeder in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for 10-15 minutes to disinfect it.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with fresh seed.
Clean feeders at least once a month, or more frequently during periods of heavy use.
Tip: Use multiple feeders to reduce overcrowding and spread of disease. Rotate feeders for cleaning so birds always have access to food.

5. Provide Fresh Water

In addition to food, birds need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing during winter. Natural water sources can freeze over, so providing a reliable water source will attract more birds to your garden.

Tip: Use a heated birdbath or add a birdbath heater to keep the water from freezing. If you don’t have a heated option, refresh the water frequently to ensure it doesn’t freeze.

6. Offer Shelter and Roosting Spots

Providing shelter in your garden helps birds stay safe and warm during the coldest nights. Trees, shrubs, and even man-made structures offer protection from predators and harsh weather.

Tip: Consider installing roosting boxes or leaving up birdhouses that provide extra shelter during the winter months. Birds often use these to stay warm and protected from the wind and cold.

7. Prevent Squirrels and Other Pests

Squirrels, raccoons, and other pests can quickly empty bird feeders, leaving little food for the birds. To prevent these animals from raiding your feeders, use squirrel-proof designs or deterrents.

Tip: Use squirrel baffles on feeder poles or hang feeders from thin wires that are difficult for squirrels to climb. You can also choose feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close when a heavier animal tries to access the food.

8. Refill Feeders Regularly

Once you set up bird feeders, it’s important to maintain a consistent supply of food. Birds quickly learn to rely on feeders, especially during periods of snow or extreme cold when natural food sources are scarce.

Tip: Check your feeders daily and refill them as needed, especially after snowfall or storms that may cover natural food sources. Rotate the type of food you offer to attract a wider variety of birds.

9. Enjoy Birdwatching

Setting up bird feeders in November provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy birdwatching throughout the winter months. Keep a journal or log of the bird species that visit your feeders and learn more about their behaviors, migratory patterns, and feeding preferences.

Tip: Use binoculars or a bird guide to identify different species and observe how they interact with each other. Winter birdwatching is a fun and educational way to connect with nature during the colder months.

Most Common Questions and Answers About Setting Up Bird Feeders in November

Q1: Why should I set up bird feeders in November?
A: November is an important time to set up bird feeders because natural food sources for birds, such as seeds, insects, and berries, become scarce in winter. Feeders provide essential nourishment to help birds survive the cold months and prepare for migration.

Q2: What types of bird feeders should I use in winter?
A: Use a variety of feeders, such as tube feeders for small seeds, hopper feeders for mixed seeds, platform feeders for ground-feeding birds, and suet feeders for high-energy fat. This will attract different bird species to your garden.

Q3: What kind of bird food is best for winter feeding?
A: The best bird food for winter includes black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, nyjer seeds, peanuts, millet, and dried fruits. These foods are high in

fat and energy, which helps birds stay warm and active during cold weather.

Q4: Where should I place bird feeders?
A: Place feeders near cover, such as trees or shrubs, to give birds a safe retreat from predators. Position feeders away from windows to prevent collisions and mount them high enough to keep them out of reach of ground predators like cats.

Q5: How do I keep bird feeders clean?
A: Clean bird feeders at least once a month with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before refilling. Clean feeders prevent the spread of diseases among birds.

Q6: How do I prevent squirrels from raiding my bird feeders?
A: Use squirrel-proof feeders, install baffles on feeder poles, or hang feeders from thin wires that squirrels can’t climb. Weight-sensitive perches can also close off access when squirrels try to feed.

Q7: Do birds need water in winter?
A: Yes, birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, even in winter. Use a heated birdbath or birdbath heater to prevent water from freezing, or refresh water frequently in unheated birdbaths.

Q8: How often should I refill bird feeders in winter?
A: Refill feeders regularly, checking them daily, especially during cold snaps or after snowstorms. Maintaining a consistent supply of food helps birds rely on your feeders when natural food sources are scarce.

Q9: How can I attract more birds to my feeders?
A: Use a variety of feeders and foods to attract different bird species. Offer high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and suet, and place feeders in safe, sheltered locations to make birds feel more secure.

Q10: Should I set up bird feeders year-round?
A: While winter is a critical time for feeding birds, you can also set up feeders year-round to support birds during migration, breeding, and nesting seasons. Adjust the type of food you offer to match seasonal needs.

By setting up bird feeders in November and following these tips, you’ll provide essential support for birds during the harsh winter months. Creating a bird-friendly environment in your garden helps local wildlife thrive and offers you the joy of birdwatching throughout the colder season. From choosing the right feeders to offering high-energy foods, you can make a big difference in the survival of your feathered visitors.