Did you know that February is National Bird-Feeding Month? Here in Maryland, we are lucky to be home to some beautiful birds that showcase a lot of character.
My husband and I enjoy watching the birds year round, but the winter brings some special sites to our feeders. House Finches, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Nuthatches, and Eastern Bluebirds are just a few of the over 400 species you can see throughout the year here.
Bird-Feeding in Maryland
We both love summer because that means the hummingbirds come back for a few months. We get the same families that come back year after year and enjoy seeing the babies grow. They’ve been coming back for so long they aren’t even scared of us anymore; we can be outside working in the garden and they go right to the feeders just a few feet away.
However, even in winter, you can still get some beautifully colored birds to come to your yard. Here are some tips to see them in action:
Keep your feeders full
If you maintain your feeders, they know you are a trusted food source and will be sure to roost nearby. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do this. We use a basic bird mix in some feeders for the small birds and black oil sunflower seeds in others for the larger birds. We also keep a separate peanut feeder for the Woodpeckers and Blue Jays.
Give them places to hide
If you don’t have birdhouses, you can still do your part to keep them safe. Pile up sticks and branches in a corner or tucked away somewhere away from your doors. We placed a small hollowed-out gourd a few feet from our front door and have a finch making a home there now!
Give them a water source
This can be hard in the winter, but setting up a birdbath with water can ensure they don’t go thirsty. You can even use a clay planter tray if you don’t want to deal with a birdbath. Use hot or warm water to keep it from freezing as fast and change it frequently.
If you enjoy bird watching but can’t do it at home, check out some places throughout the state that have great spots for viewing.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center
Located in Easton, MD, Pickering Creek is a 400-acre wetland sanctuary that is open year-round. In the winter, you’ll see Tundra Swan and different species of ducks. Bald and Golden Eagles also live here, and can be seen in winter if you’re lucky enough.
Swallow Falls State Park
Connected to Herrington Manor State Park by Garrett State Forest, these Oakland, MD parks are loaded with trails and places to explore. Part of the Appalachian Mountain trail, western Maryland truly has some breathtaking sights.
There are lots of species of Warblers to see, the Dark-Eyed Junco and Wood Thrushes also call these lands home year-round. You’ll find some birds here that you don’t always find in other parts of the state, and camping in the park means you’re just a short walk away from Muddy Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Maryland!
Fort Smallwood Park
This 90-acre stretch of land is located on a peninsula in Pasadena, MD with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. The Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, and Great Blue Heron can be seen year-round here. Wintering birds include the Canvasback, Brown Creeper, and various duck species. The 280-foot fishing pier offers a great spot for birdwatching or walk around the marshland and beach to see what you can find.
Even though winter can be cold, that doesn’t mean you can’t catch some great bird species around town.
Authored by Mandy Sleight