Feeding Birds Throughout the Year: An Annual Guide

Feeding birds is a simple yet rewarding way to bring nature into your backyard. But did you know that birds’ diets change depending on the season?

In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the year, discussing what birds eat each month, and sharing 12 DIY bird food ideas that I tried over the past year.

January – Preparing for Winter

In January, birds look for calorie-rich food to keep warm during the cold winter months. Seeds, nuts, and fat balls are favorites.

DIY Idea: Fat Balls with Seeds and Dried Fruits

• Melt animal fat (e.g., suet) and mix it with seeds, peanuts, and dried fruit.

• Pour the mixture into small molds and let it harden in the refrigerator.

• Hang the fat balls outside and watch the birds enjoy them

February – Energy Boost for the Coldest Month

In February, birds need food that provides quick energy. High-fat foods such as peanuts and sunflower seeds are perfect.

DIY Idea: Peanut Butter Rolls with Seeds

• Mix peanut butter with seeds such as sunflower seeds and oats.

• Roll the mixture into small balls and then coat them with more seeds.

• Place the rolls in a feeder or hang them up for the birds to enjoy.

March – Spring Is in Sight

In March, birds begin preparing for the breeding season. They need protein-rich food, such as insects, to maintain their energy levels.

DIY Idea: Mealworm Feast

• Place dried mealworms in a feeder or scatter them on the ground.

• Birds such as blackbirds, robins, and starlings will love this protein-rich treat.

April – Nest Building in Full Swing

In April, birds look for food that helps them with nest building. They eat soft, protein-rich foods such as insects and caterpillars.

DIY Idea: Eggshell Mix

• Collect and clean empty eggshells.

• Crush the eggshells into small pieces and mix them with birdseed and peanuts.

• Sprinkle the mix onto a feeding tray and watch the birds enjoy it.

May – Feeding Young Birds

In May, birds feed their young with food that is rich in protein and nutrients. Mealworms and soft seeds are popular.

DIY Idea: Soft Seed Mix

• Mix soft seeds such as hemp, flaxseed, and cracked corn.

• Add dried mealworms for extra protein.

• Spread the mixture on a feeding tray or hang it in a mesh feeder for the birds.

Juni - Zomerse Overvloed

In juni is er overvloed aan voedsel in de natuur, maar vogels genieten nog steeds van een gevarieerd dieet met zaden, insecten en fruit.

DIY Idea: Fruity Treat

• Cut pieces of fresh fruit such as apples, berries, and pears.

• Mix the fruit with seeds such as sesame seeds and hemp seeds.

• Place the mixture on a feeding tray or hang it in a mesh feeder.

July – Heat-Resistant Food

In July, birds need food that helps keep them hydrated. Juicy fruit and water-rich vegetables are perfect.

DIY Idea: Fruity Ice Pops

• Fill small containers with water and add pieces of fruit.

• Place a stick in each container and freeze everything.

• Once the ice pops are frozen, remove them from the molds and place them in the garden for the birds to enjoy.

August – Back to School for Young Birds

In August, young birds prepare for their first flight. They need food that helps strengthen their wings and muscles.

DIY Idea: Flight Training Mix

• Mix seeds such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and oats.

• Add small pieces of dried fruit for extra energy.

• Place the mix in a feeder or hang it up for the birds to enjoy during their flight training.

September – Preparing for Migration

In September, many birds prepare for their annual migration. They need food that gives them energy for their long journey.

DIY Idea: Energy-Rich Trail Mix

• Mix seeds such as sunflower seeds, oats, and pumpkin seeds.

• Add dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, and pieces of apple.

• Place the trail mix in a feeder or hang it up for the birds to enjoy before they leave.

October – Autumn Colors and a Nutrient-Rich Diet

In October, birds enjoy a varied diet of seeds, berries, and insects while preparing for winter.

DIY Idea: Autumn Berry Mix

• Collect and clean ripe berries such as rowan berries, elderberries, and rosehips.

• Mix the berries with dried seeds such as hemp seeds and sesame seeds.

• Place the mix on a feeding tray or hang it in a mesh feeder for the birds to enjoy.

In November and December, birds prepare for the harsh winter months ahead. Finding food becomes more difficult as temperatures drop and many natural food sources become scarce. That is why it is extra important to support birds during these months by offering food in your garden or on your balcony.

November – Nutrient-Rich Food for Energy

In November, birds need a nutrient-rich diet to build enough energy for the cold months ahead. They are especially looking for foods rich in fats and proteins to help maintain their body temperature and stay warm.

DIY Idea: Peanut Garland with Dried Fruit

• Thread peanuts and pieces of dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, and pieces of apple, onto a string.

• Hang the peanut garland in a sheltered spot in the garden or on the balcony so the birds can enjoy it.

  
  

December – Winter-Ready Food for Colder Days

In December, the weather becomes colder, and birds need more food to help them stay warm. They look for food that provides plenty of energy and essential nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

DIY Idea: Oat Cookies with Seeds and Nuts

• Mix oats, seeds such as sunflower seeds, and nuts such as chopped walnuts in a bowl.

• Add a little melted fat, such as suet or coconut oil, to bind the ingredients together.

• Shape the mixture into small cookies and bake them in the oven until golden brown.

• Let the cookies cool and hang them in the garden or on the balcony for the birds to enjoy.

By feeding birds, you create a lively and welcoming environment in your garden or on your balcony, even during the coldest days of the year.