Feeding birds in the winter doesn’t appear to disrupt migration, but it does carry some risks. Feed birds only in harsh winter conditions, and follow these tips:

1. Avoid window strikes – set up feeders far from windows and use window decals.
2. Keep cats inside – collar bells will not stop cats from killing birds.
3. Don’t feed other animals – bird seed can attract animals like mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, deer or bears. Clean up spilled seed and make your bird feeder inaccessible to other animals.
4. Prevent disease – clean up spills and clean feeders regularly using a 9:1 bleach solution.

Feeding hummingbirds also has special considerations – read more about hummingbird feeders and how to make hummingbird nectar.