Winter Birding Tips for Ohio

birds in birdbath

bluebird in a heated birdbath

birds at a birdfeeder with seed catcher

Goldfinch with winter plumage

birdbath deicer heater

female northern cardinal in a tree

juvenile Grackles at a camera birdfeeder

Male Northern Cardinal at birdfeeder camera

Northern Flicker at birdfeeder camera

American Robin at birdfeeder camera

Female Northern Cardinal at birdfeeder

American Robin at birdfeeder

Winter Birdwatching in Ohio

As the snow blankets the landscape and the air turns crisp, Ohio transforms into a magical winter wonderland, perfect for birdwatching. The sight of vibrant birds flitting against a backdrop of white can bring joy and warmth to the coldest days. Here’s how to embrace the charm and fun of winter birdwatching and caring for our feathered friends in Central Ohio.

1. Create a Cozy Feeding Station

Set up a feeding station in your backyard. Use colorful feeders filled with:

• Sunflower seeds (I love chipped sunflower seeds the best!)

• Thistle seed (Goldfinches like these)

• A good songbird blend of seeds

• Peanut butter and suet cakes

On a side note, but not an unimportant one: the importance of planting native bushes and flowers. Many native bushes provide late season berries, even into winter - like Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum Hardiness zone: Zones 2 to 7 cornell.edu). Many native flowers like coneflower (Echinacea), Black Eyed Susans and various goldenrods, as well as many others, have seeds long after the flowers have died that provide valuable and free nutrition in the winter months. Check out these resources for a list of plant ideas HERE and HERE and HERE

2. Identify Local Winter Birds

Ohio is home to a variety of birds that brave the winter chill. Keep an eye out for:

• Cardinals with their bright red plumage

• Chickadees, known for their cheerful calls

• Blue jays, with their striking blue feathers

• Goldfinches, who sport a splash of yellow even in winter (although much more dull than their summer plumage)

• Juncos - dark gray tops and white bellies, they're visitors from Canada!

You may want to consider a notebook to jot down your sightings and sketches (if you're an artist) and a bird book is a must if you want to identify your backyard visitors. Check out my recommendations HERE.

3. Provide Fresh Water

Birds need water just as much as they need food. Set up a birdbath and keep it filled with fresh water. To prevent it from freezing, consider:

• Using a birdbath heater

• Adding warm water daily

Surround the birdbath with natural elements like pinecones and twigs (and some flat rocks if the birdbath is a little too deep). You can add some fun decorations also to enhance a whimsical feel!

4. Build a Bird Shelter

Help your feathered friends find refuge from the cold by creating a cozy birdhouse or shelter. You can:

• Use reclaimed wood for a rustic look

• Paint it in bright colors to add cheer to your yard

Position the shelter in a quiet area, away from predators, to ensure a safe haven for the birds. Position the birdhouse so it orients away from the winds and rains out of the west.

5. Enjoy the Magic of Birdwatching

Bundle up in your coziest scarf and mittens, grab a warm drink, and settle in for some birdwatching. Use binoculars to get a closer look and a camera (or a birdfeeder camera) to capture bird shenanigan! Consider:

• Creating a winter birdwatching challenge to see who can spot the most species in your family

• Play bird bingo with your kids (or yourself if you're bored!)

Watch out, this is how I've known that many "regular people" get kinda hooked on birdwatching!

Conclusion

Winter in Ohio offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and care for birds. By following these ideas, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports birds and other local wildlife right in your own backyard, while enabling the birds to bring a little happiness to your winter days!

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