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Winter Bird Feeding

Additional Information for you and your family to explore,

help the birds and deepen your own connection to the winter landscape with these helpful guides, tips, and links. Whether you're new to feeding birds or looking to expand what you already know, these resources will support you all season long!

Winter Bird Feeding Information

What type of seed should I get?

Choosing the right seed can make a difference in the variety of birds you attract. Here is what we recommend for winter feeding in PA.

Black oil sunflower seed: The top choice for most backyard birds. High in fat for winter energy and easy for birds to crack.

Thistle seed: Perfect for finches, goldfinches, and pine siskin. Best used in a special thistle feeder.

Mixed Seed Blends: A good option if you're feeding many bird species but choose blends with high percentage of sunflower seeds not fillers like red millet or cracked corn.

Bird Seed at KC

How to Make A Bird Feeder!

Turn Trash into Tweets!

Give your feathered friends a stylish new snack spot while helping the planet. This YouTube video shows a step-by-step guide on how to transform everyday recyclables like coffee cans, water bottles, and coffee containers into charming, eco-friendly bird feeders. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for all ages. Feed the birds, reduce waste, and let your creativity take flight!

Video

Coloring Sheet

Enjoy this fun, nature inspired coloring sheet featuring some of the birds you can spot in your back yard when you put your feeder up! Perfect for kids and families - print it out and bring your backyard visitors to life with color!

Coloring Sheet

What birds will show up to my feeder?

Black- capped Chickadee- Bold, curious, and frequent visitors to sunflower and suet feeders.

Tufted titmouse- Quick grab and go feeders that love sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Northern Cardinal- Bright red males stand out beautifully against the snow, enjoying the sunflower and safflower seeds.

Dark- eyed Junco: "Snowbirds" that prefer feeding on the ground or low platforms.

White-breasted Nuthatch- Known for climbing down tree trunks; they love peanuts and suet.

Blue Jay- Larger birds that enjoy peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.

Bird Guide

Volunteer for Project FeederWatch!

Project feederWatch is a community science program that invites people to count the birds visiting their feeders throughout the winter. Your observations help scientist track bird populations, migration changes, and long-term trends across North America.

Here at Kettle Creek, you can participate in feederWatch biweekly on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM. We offer two-time slots:

Morning (AM) 8:30 AM-12:00 PM

Afternoon (PM): 12:00 PM-3:00 PM

Join us to learn, observe, and help contribute valuable data while enjoying our winter birds!

Count Dates

Flyer