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Arkansas is home to many bird species, even through the winter. Birding in Arkansas and attracting birds to your backyard during the winter or any time of the year is a rewarding experience. With a little effort, you can create a space that helps birds survive the colder months and provides endless entertainment for you and your family. One of the best ways to do this is by crafting a winter bird tree—an activity that’s fun for all ages and beneficial for our feathered friends.
How To Create a Winter Bird Tree
Our winter bird tree tradition began a few years ago, shortly after we took down our Christmas tree. We had moved the tree to the front yard and planned to take it to one of the Arkansas Game and Fish tree drop-off locations. (Did you know they will turn your old tree into a fish habitat?) But, as the tree sat in the yard, we noticed it became a favorite location for the birds. Arkansas is home to many winter birds, and so many have landed on the branches and hidden in the greenery. We started sprinkling birdseed on the ground around the tree, and the birds kept coming. The whole family enjoyed looking out the front window to watch the birds give our old, dry Christmas tree new life.
Moving a dead Christmas tree into the front yard isn’t always possible or practical. We took the same idea but moved on to some trees in our front yard and began decorating them with various bird-friendly treats throughout the winter.
To create your bird tree, observe your yard to see which trees or areas birds naturally frequent. Any tree can be transformed into a bird-friendly sanctuary, but choosing a spot already popular with local birds will yield the best results. The key is to provide a mix of food, shelter and water sources to make the birds feel at home.
Things to Hang in Your Winter Bird Tree
- Popcorn Garland: Use a needle and thread to string together popcorn. The white kernels stand out beautifully against the winter landscape.
- Cranberry Garland: String cranberries in the same way as popcorn. The bright red berries add a festive touch and are a favorite among many birds.
- Birdseed Ornaments: (Instructions below)
- Birdseed Pinecones: (Instructions below)
- Birdhouses: These provide essential shelter from the wind, cold, rain and snow.
- Water: Fresh water is crucial, especially when natural sources are frozen. Consider a heated birdbath to ensure a constant supply.
How to Make Birdseed Ornaments
Supplies:
- 1 cup birdseed
- ½ cup lard or beef tallow, melted
- Cookie cutters or paper cups
- Parchment paper
- A plastic soda straw
- Twine or thread
Instructions:
- Spray cookie cutters with cooking spray and lay them on waxed paper. You can also use small paper cups.
- Add birdseed to a bowl.
- Gently melt the lard or beef tallow and mix it into the birdseed until well combined.
- Press the seed mixture into the cookie cutters. You can also form patties, use a muffin tin or pour the mixture into small paper cups.
- Insert a segment of straw into the mixture to create a hole for hanging. (If using cups or muffin tins, you can press a loop of string into the seed mixture before it hardens.)
- Let the ornaments dry overnight. Once dry, remove them from the cookie cutters and thread them with twine for hanging.
How to Make Birdseed Pinecones
Supplies:
- Pinecones (dried in a low oven to kill bugs and open the petals)
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
- Twine
Instructions:
- Use a butter knife or your hands to spread peanut butter over the pinecones, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered pine cones in birdseed until fully coated.
- Attach a piece of twine to the top of each pinecone for hanging.
Best Practices for Feeding Birds in Arkansas
Attracting birds to your yard is really only the first step. To ensure the health and safety of the birds and that they keep coming back, it’s important to remember a few things:
- Feed high-energy foods: Suet, black-oil sunflower seeds, and peanuts are excellent choices for providing the extra energy birds need during winter.
- Keep feeders clean: Regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of disease. Be sure to remove any spoiled or moldy food.
- Provide shelter: Dense shrubs, evergreen trees, and birdhouses offer crucial protection from predators and the elements.
- Avoid feeding: Do not give birds bread or salty or sugary foods. Bread has little nutritional value, and high levels of salt or sugar can be toxic.
Learning about Arkansas Birds
Creating a winter bird tree is a fun activity that can lead to learning and enjoyment for your whole family, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Take time to observe and enjoy the variety of birds that visit. For more tips, check out our other bird articles to learn more about Arkansas birds and download our free printable bird-watching journal to keep track of your sightings.
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