Caring for Winter Wildlife and Birds in Your North Carolina Yard

Winter in North Carolina brings crisp air, frost-covered mornings, and a quieter landscape. While many creatures hibernate or migrate, plenty of wildlife—especially birds—stick around, relying on backyard habitats for food, water, and shelter. If you want to support local wildlife and enjoy the beauty of birds visiting your yard, winter is the perfect time to step up your backyard conservation efforts.

From keeping feeders stocked to providing shelter from the elements, here’s everything you need to know about caring for winter wildlife and birds in your NC yard.

1. Provide a Steady Food Source

Winter is tough on birds and small wildlife because natural food sources become scarce. Many plants have gone dormant, insects are harder to find, and the ground can freeze, making foraging difficult. By offering a reliable food source, you can help sustain local wildlife through the colder months.

Best Foods for Birds in Winter:

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds – High in fat and protein, these are a favorite among cardinals, chickadees, finches, and more.

• Suet Cakes – These provide an essential energy boost, especially for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds – Loved by finches and other small songbirds.

• Peanuts and Peanut Butter – Blue jays, titmice, and woodpeckers appreciate the protein.

• Dried Mealworms – A great option to attract bluebirds and wrens.

What About Other Wildlife?

• Squirrels & Chipmunks – A mix of unsalted nuts, corn, and seeds can keep them fed (or distract them from raiding bird feeders!).

• Deer – If you live in a wooded area, deer may wander through. While it’s best not to make them dependent on human-provided food, leaving out acorns or apples can be a small treat.

Key Tip:

Position feeders near trees or shrubs for cover and safety, but not so close that predators (like cats) can ambush birds.

2. Keep a Fresh Water Supply

Water is just as important as food in winter. Many natural water sources freeze, making it difficult for birds and wildlife to stay hydrated.

How to Provide Water in Winter:

• Use a Heated Bird Bath – These prevent water from freezing and are a game-changer for winter bird care.

• Change Water Frequently – If you don’t have a heated bird bath, refill water sources daily to prevent freezing.

• Place Water Near Cover – This keeps birds safe from predators while they drink.

Key Tip:

Avoid adding salt or antifreeze to birdbaths—it can be toxic to wildlife! Instead, consider placing a flat stone in the water to prevent it from freezing too quickly.

3. Offer Shelter and Protection

Winter storms, freezing temperatures, and strong winds make good shelter essential for wildlife survival. If you want to help, think about providing safe spaces where birds and small animals can rest and take cover.

Ways to Provide Winter Shelter:

• Leave Brush Piles – Instead of bagging up fallen branches, stack them in a corner of your yard. This creates a cozy shelter for small mammals and birds.

• Keep Evergreens in Your Landscape – Holly, pine, cedar, and juniper trees offer natural windbreaks and cover.

• Hang Roosting Boxes – Unlike nesting boxes used in spring, roosting boxes are designed to provide warmth and group shelter for birds.

• Let Perennials Stand – Many native plants, like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, provide seed heads for birds and hiding spots for insects.

Key Tip:

Avoid heavy yard cleanup in late fall—leaf litter and fallen branches provide essential shelter for overwintering insects, which birds rely on for food.

4. Create a Wildlife-Friendly Winter Garden

A well-planned NC garden can provide food, shelter, and nesting materials for wildlife all year long. If you want to attract and support birds and other creatures, focus on native plants that provide seeds, berries, and nectar in winter.

Best Native Plants for Winter Wildlife in NC:

• American Holly (Ilex opaca) – Berries attract birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Provides shelter and blue berries for birds.

• Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) – A great winter food source for birds.

• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Its purple berries remain into winter, feeding songbirds.

• Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) – An early nectar source for pollinators when winter turns to spring.

• Goldenrod and Asters – Their dried seed heads feed finches and other small birds.

Key Tip:

If you’re planning a wildlife-friendly garden, avoid invasive plants like English ivy and Bradford pear, which can harm native ecosystems.

5. Keep Predators in Check

Birds and small mammals already face a tough winter. Predators—especially outdoor cats—can make survival even harder.

How to Keep Wildlife Safe:

• Keep Cats Indoors – Outdoor cats are one of the biggest threats to songbirds. If possible, keep them inside during the winter.

• Use Baffles on Bird Feeders – This deters squirrels and keeps food accessible for birds.

• Place Feeders Away from Hiding Spots – Avoid setting up feeders near thick shrubs where predators can lurk.

Key Tip:

If you love watching birds but also have outdoor cats, consider building a "catio" or enclosed outdoor space so they can enjoy nature without harming local wildlife.

6. Enjoy the Benefits of a Wildlife-Friendly Yard

Supporting winter wildlife isn’t just good for the animals—it’s good for you too! Watching birds at the feeder, spotting a fox track in the snow, or hearing an owl hoot at dusk can be magical moments that make winter feel more alive.

Added Benefits of Caring for Winter Wildlife:

• Natural Pest Control – Birds like chickadees and nuthatches eat overwintering insects, reducing pests in your garden.

• Soil Health – A wildlife-friendly yard often means less tilling and raking, which helps preserve healthy soil and beneficial microbes.

• Mental Well-Being – Connecting with nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and provides a welcome distraction during the darker winter months.

Key Tip:

Turn your winter wildlife care into a fun hobby—keep a journal of birds you see or set up a trail camera to observe nighttime visitors.

Final Thoughts: A Winter Haven for Wildlife

Caring for wildlife in winter doesn’t require a big backyard or tons of effort. Simple steps—keeping feeders filled, providing fresh water, and leaving natural shelter—can make a huge difference for the animals that call North Carolina home.

So, this winter, take a moment to appreciate the wildlife around you. Fill a feeder, plant some native shrubs, or just enjoy the beauty of a winter garden buzzing with life.

After all, a yard full of birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer is a yard that feels alive—even in the depths of winter.