Wild Bird Center of Colorado Springs Colorado

As soon as the cold weather and snow hit the area, we start getting many questions about a lack of birds at feeders that were previously very busy.  The first question we would ask is what part of town are you in?

If the answer indicates a habitat that lacks mature evergreen trees and shrubs, we would suggest that the lack of cover has forced the birds to go elsewhere.  Many birds gather together in flocks and roost in conifers.  Other birds huddle together with just a few others or even singularly under the protection of an evergreen bough.  This is true of goldfinches that are often found in great numbers in the open plains out east during the summer, but they seek the shelter of a friendly pine or spruce come freezing temperatures.

If the habitat provides suitable shelter, another reason for diminished numbers of birds could be a predator, especially if the birds disappeared suddenly.  Sharp-shinned Hawks are notorious for staking out bird feeders for hunting.  Things should get back to normal after the hawk moves on.  An evergreen near the feeder offers a place to hide from the hungry hawk.

Finally, you may need to change the type of food that you are offering.  Suet will attract insect eating birds like woodpeckers and providing some seed at ground level may attract winter birds such as juncos.