Weather Guards: Food + Shelter in One Place

We strongly recommend using weather guards on feeders during cold, wet weather.

• Weather guards help protect seed from snow and rain and keep food fresher longer
• Many people notice birds using feeders more frequently when weather guards are in place
• It’s common to see birds hunkered down underneath the guards, taking shelter from wind and precipitation while feeding.
• When birds have food and cover in the same spot, it’s a win-win — especially during storms.

Why Supplemental Feeders Matter So Much in Winter

Birds burn a tremendous amount of energy just staying warm overnight. When cold weather continues into the next day, especially with snow, sleet, or rain, they burn even more fuel.

This is why supplemental feeders can be so valuable during winter weather events, helping birds replace calories quickly when natural food is scarce or inaccessible.

Uncommon Winter Visitors You Might See During a Freeze

Weather events often bring birds out into the open that may not have been visible earlier in the season.

Winter hummingbirds

• These birds rely heavily on feeders during freezing weather
• When safe, refresh feeders with fresh, warm nectar so it doesn’t remain frozen

Painted Buntings 

• Often stay hidden in wooded areas, especially wax myrtles.
• May venture out to feeders during storms
• Enjoy millet in tube feeders

Ruby-crowned kinglets

• Frequently show up during cold snaps
• Love seed cylinders

Warblers & winter sparrows

• Cold weather can push them toward feeders in large numbers
• Yellow-Rumped Warblers and Pine Warblers are plentiful
• You may spot black and white warblers, orange crowned warbles, or a palm warbler making their way to the feeders
• Chipping Sparrows are plentiful
• You may also spot white throated sparrows or song sparrows coming in for a bite

Storms can be some of the best birdwatching moments of the season!

Spread Feeders Out to Reduce Stress

We encourage placing feeders in multiple areas around your yard.

• Helps prevent overcrowding
• Reduces competition
• Attracts a wider variety of birds
• Allows timid birds to feed safely while larger birds use other stations
• Slow Down, Watch, and Enjoy It

Freezing weather is a wonderful time to:

• Pull out your binoculars
• Watch birds hunker down and conserve energy
• Enjoy observing from the warmth of your home

And don’t forget to take photos — seeing Lowcountry birds against a bright white snowfall is rare and incredibly special. These moments are fleeting, but unforgettable.