Full bird feeders, full hearts

Why It’s Important to Fill Your Bird Feeders Before a Winter Storm

When a winter storm is being teased by every weather channel as the storm of the season, it’s not just people who need to prepare, our backyard birds do too. Filling your bird feeders before snow, ice, or freezing rain arrives can make a big difference during harsh winter weather.

Cold temperatures force birds to burn more energy just to stay warm. When snow and ice cover natural food sources, feeders become a critical source of calories. A well-stocked feeder helps birds fuel up before the storm and gives them a reliable place to return once the weather clears.

Planting native plants adds another layer of support. Shrubs like holly and winterberry provide natural food and shelter when birds need it most. Their berries persist through winter, offering a dependable food source even during storms, while dense branches protect birds from wind and cold.

Providing food before a storm, both through feeders and native plantings will help birds conserve energy. Instead of spending precious daylight searching for food, they can eat quickly and find shelter, improving their chances of making it through the winter.

At Laurel Gardens, we believe caring for birds is part of caring for the garden year-round. Filling feeders and planting native shrubs helps create a landscape that supports wildlife through every season.

Native Plants That Support Winter Birds in Kentucky

• Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) – Bright berries are a vital winter food source

• American Holly (Ilex opaca) – Evergreen cover and winter berries

• Coneflower(Echinacea purpurea) – Leaving the spent seed heads on the plant through winter provides a vital food source

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – Summer fruit that supports birds year-round

• Oak trees (Quercus spp.) – Acorns and insect habitat for many bird species

Visit Laurel Gardens for bird seed, feeders, and native plants to help your backyard birds weather the storm.