Flight of Fancy: How to Turn Your Backyard into a Winter Bird Sanctuary

February is National Bird Feeding Month, and the BC Bird Trail is calling on British Columbians to lend a helping hand to our feathered neighbors. With natural food sources dwindling and freezing nights requiring extra energy for survival, a well-stocked feeder can make a world of difference for local species. Whether you are prepping for the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 13 to 16) or looking for a feel-good Family Day activity, bird feeding is the perfect way to bring a touch of nature right to your doorstep.

In this Q&A, Kirsten Ovstaas from the BC Bird Trail team shares her expert tips on the best “menu” for BC birds—from protein-packed suet for woodpeckers to the crowd-pleasing black oil sunflower seed. We also dive into the essential “pro tips” for feeder maintenance to ensure your backyard visitors stay healthy and happy all season long. —Noa Nichol

Why does feeding birds in winter actually matter—and what’s happening energetically for them on those cold BC nights?

While many people think birds need our help to survive winter, BC’s native birds are actually remarkably well-adapted to cold weather. What they need most during winter isn’t necessarily supplemental food, it’s undisturbed habitat, natural food sources like berries and seeds, and safe places to shelter.

On cold BC nights, birds enter a state called torpor, lowering their body temperature to conserve energy. They’ve been doing this for millennia without backyard feeders. What really matters is preserving natural ecosystems where birds can find the foods they’ve evolved to eat, like native shrubs, trees, and winter berries.

The best thing you can do for winter birds is protect the habitats they depend on year-round.

If someone only buys one type of bird food, what should it be—and why does it attract so many species?

We’re actually encouraging people to focus on planting native shrubs and trees like Oregon Grape, Snowberry, and Salmonberry, which provide natural food sources that birds have evolved to eat.

That said, we recognize bird feeding is a personal choice, and guidance varies by region, especially given localized disease outbreaks, wildlife conflicts, and municipal bylaws. If you do choose to feed birds, we recommend connecting with your local naturalist club or wildlife conservation organization for current, region-specific best practices. They’ll have the most up-to-date information on feeder hygiene, seasonal considerations, and any local advisories.

If you want to attract a diversity of birds to your yard, creating a bird-friendly habitat with native plants, fresh water sources, and shelter is far more beneficial than any single type of seed.

What’s the biggest bird-feeding mistake you see people make (and how can they fix it fast)?

Many people assume feeders are essential for bird survival, but in reality, they can create dependency, spread disease, and attract predators.

Because bird feeding guidance varies by region depending on disease outbreaks, bear activity, and local bylaws—we encourage people to check with their local naturalist club, bird conservation organization, or wildlife rehabilitation centre for current recommendations specific to their area.

Here’s what we suggest instead: Set up observation stations. Place a comfortable chair near a window with a view of native plants, shrubs, or trees where birds naturally forage. Keep binoculars handy and a bird identification guide nearby (or download the BC Bird Trail app!).

You’ll notice birds behaving more naturally, foraging for insects in tree bark, eating berries from shrubs, and interacting in ways you’d never see at a feeder.

How can families turn bird feeding into a fun, educational activity over Family Day weekend, without overthinking it?

Here are three simple activities for Family Day weekend:

Backyard Bird Bingo: Create bingo cards with common BC winter birds (American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee). Kids check them off as they spot them through the window or on a short walk.

Bird Behaviour Detective: Have kids observe and draw what birds are doing—Are they hopping? Pecking at bark? Fluffing their feathers? This teaches observation skills and connects kids to natural behaviours.

Photo Scavenger Hunt: Give kids a camera or phone and challenge them to photograph as many different bird species as they can find in your neighbourhood or local park.

The beauty of bird watching is it’s free, accessible, and teaches kids to appreciate wildlife without interfering with it.

Why is February such a critical moment for backyard birds compared to other seasons?

February is a key transition month for many species. Some winter residents are preparing to migrate north, while early nesters like Anna’s Hummingbirds and Great Horned Owls are already establishing territories.

This makes February prime time for observation. You can witness fascinating behaviours like courtship displays, territorial calls, and early nesting activity.

It’s also when the Great Backyard Bird Count takes place (February 14–17, 2026), which is a perfect opportunity to contribute to citizen science simply by watching and recording the birds you see.

How does the Great Backyard Bird Count help scientists, and why should everyday bird lovers take part?

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is one of the world’s largest citizen science projects, and it’s powered entirely by observation.

Participants simply spend 15 minutes (or more) watching birds in their backyard, local park, or favourite trail, then submit their sightings online. This data helps scientists:

• Track bird population trends over time
• Monitor the impacts of climate change on migration patterns
• Identify at-risk species that need conservation attention
• Understand how birds are adapting to urban environments

Why it matters for everyday bird lovers: You don’t need to be an expert! Every observation counts, and it’s a wonderful way to feel connected to a global community of birders. Plus, it’s completely free and can be done from your own backyard or while exploring BC’s incredible bird trails.

Learn more and participate at birdcount.org, and share your BC sightings on social media with #MyBCBirdTrail.

What’s one small change people can make today that has an outsized impact on bird health and survival?

Plant native shrubs and trees in your yard. This single action provides food, shelter, and nesting habitat for birds year-round, far beyond what any feeder can offer.

Native plants like Oregon Grape, Red-flowering Currant, and Pacific Crabapple support not just birds, but the insects and caterpillars that many species depend on to feed their young. They’re also low-maintenance once established and benefit the entire ecosystem.

Bonus impact: If you can’t plant, consider advocating for native plantings in your community, at schools, parks, and public spaces. The more natural habitat we create, the healthier our bird populations will be.