National Bird Day: What Wild Birds Need in Cold & Snowy Weather (With Winter Essentials)
National Bird Day (January 5th) is the perfect reminder to look after the wild birds in our gardens — especially when the weather turns freezing, snowy, and icy. Winter is one of the toughest times for birds because natural food can be buried, water sources freeze, and they burn extra energy just to stay warm.
If you want to genuinely help, focus on three things: high-energy food, unfrozen water, and shelter.
1. High-energy food (the #1 winter lifeline)
Birds need fat + calories in winter. Think sunflower hearts, suet/fat balls, and peanuts.
Best winter bird foods to offer
- Sunflower hearts (high energy, no mess)
- Suet balls / fat balls (great in frost and snow)
- Suet nuggets/pellets (easy to eat quickly)
- Peanuts (high energy — use a peanut feeder or mesh tray)
Amazon winter food picks
Extra Select Sunflower Hearts (12.75kg) — husk-free, high energy
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007QD0J9Q?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
Peckish Extra Goodness Energy Balls (50 Tub)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08M9SXPHJ?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
Peckish Extra Goodness Energy Balls (6 pack / smaller option)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08M9R42SQ?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
Wild Bird Peanuts (5kg bag)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005JJCPRS?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
2. Fresh water (birds can’t rely on snow)
In freezing conditions, water is often harder to find than food. Keep a shallow bath topped up, and try to stop it freezing solid.
Amazon picks
Gardman Aura Wild Bird Bath (tripod bath)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HK2YJ8D?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
🪶 3. Shelter from wind, snow, and frost
Birds lose heat fast in wind. Shelter helps them conserve energy and survive harsh nights.
Easy shelter ideas
- Leave hedges/ivy alone through winter
- Add a roosting/nesting box
- Provide a covered feeding spot near shrubs (but not too close for ambush predators)
4. Make feeding easier in snow (tray feeding helps)
When snow covers the ground, a tray feeder can help birds access food quickly and safely.
Amazon tray feeder picks
Tom Chambers Hanging Tray (mesh tray feeder)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005O0CD8I?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
Tom Chambers Snackery Hanging Tray Feeder (dual mesh style)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003XLGVDS?tag=pawfectlypicked-21
5. Keep feeders clean (important in the damp & cold)
Winter + damp seed = a bigger chance of mould and illness.
Simple rule: quick clean weekly, and remove any wet food.
National Bird Day reminder
If you do just one thing for National Bird Day put out sunflower hearts + fat balls and keep fresh water available. That combo helps the widest range of UK garden birds when the snow and weather is at its harshest.
