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If you want to be the wind beneath someone’s wings this winter, how about feeding the wild birds?

“For winter resident birds, it’s an extremely challenging time,” says Sara Dubois, manager of wildlife services for the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “They no longer have access to the food sources that sustained them all summer and into early fall, and even shelter can become difficult to find.”

(Photo:  A woodpecker munches away at a suet feeder at Wild ARC, the BC SPCA’s wildlife rehabilitation centre on Vancouver Island. Photo by Christina Carrieries, senior wildlife rehabilitator at Wild ARC.)

In warm weather, birds rely heavily on insects for food. But insects are dormant in winter months, when birds need even more calories to keep their bodies warm. If the temperature dips below freezing, water also disappears, giving way to ice.

It’s at this time of year, says Dubois, that birds need our help the most.

“High-calorie and high-fat foods like oil sunflowers, suet and peanuts are all excellent options to place in bird feeders,” says Dubois.

Dubois cautions well-meaning bird enthusiasts from putting out bread for winter birds. Bread actually hinders avian digestion and if it’s fed to birds often enough, it can be fatal. She also says it’s essential to clean bird feeders weekly to avoid the buildup of mold and prevent the spread of disease.

“The preservatives found in bread kill beneficial microorganisms in the avian digestive tract,” says Dubois. “It fills them up without providing them with any nutritional benefits. Essentially, they starve.”

It’s important to place bird feeders away from the elements and predators. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, feeders should be located away from the wind and on the east of southeast side of a house, or, alternatively, near a row of trees.

And as for predators, the feeders should be positioned near cover but in the open to allow birds to watch for danger. Ground feeders, especially, should be near cover with a clear view of the surrounding area.

“And for helping nature along, you’re rewarded with some great bird-watching opportunities - perhaps from the perspective of your kitchen window,” says Dubois. “Birds are colourful, interesting and industrious little creatures who are quite amazing to watch.”

For more information about winter bird feeding, including products, supplies and educational resources, visit a retail location of Wild Birds Unlimited, or visit online at www.wbu.com.