Winter in Texas can be unpredictable. One thing is for sure, food and shelter is scarce for our Texas birds. Supporting the wellbeing of our feathered friends is vital throughout the cooler months as their energy is precious for survival. Your help will make a huge difference in the lives of our native birds and your landscape.
Unsure of where to start? Here are a few simple care tips to try this winter.
TIP #1: PROVIDE NOURISHMENT
During the winter, food is limited for wildlife. Putting out bird feeders could be the difference between survival and starvation for many of our Texas birds.
CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM BIRD SEED
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have what you need to support our feathered friends. Calloway’s Premium Bird Seed is chock full of the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that birds crave, and it is available in many different “flavors”. Each blend contains a variety of ingredients that will appeal to various types of birds.
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CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM WILD BIRD BLEND
- Calloway’s Premium Wild Bird Blend is a popular seed blend for Texas birds. It includes a mix of premium seeds like white proso millet, black oil sunflower, and red milo to create a nourishing treat for Cardinals, Finches, Sparrows, Chickadees, and more!
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CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM HOT & SPICY BLEND
- Keep squirrels away with Calloway’s Premium Hot & Spicy Blend. This delicious mix is spiced with capsaicin and is full of nutrients. Wild birds are unphased by the spicy taste, but squirrels despise it. This will help keep those critters away, making them less likely to snatch up your fresh bird seed. This shell-less blend attracts Cardinals, Woodpeckers, and more!
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CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM FRUIT & NUT BLEND
- Calloway’s Premium Fruit & Nut Blend is made of all seeds, fruit, and nuts! This wonderful mixture contains fruit and seeds like black oil sunflower, safflower, dried cranberries, peanut pickouts, and more! Birds will flock to your garden for this sweet and nutty treat like Robins, Cardinals, Chickadees, Sparrows, and more.
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CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM SHELL FREE BLEND
- Calloway’s Premium Shell Free Blend is exactly what the name implies – shell free for less mess. Feed birds like Sparrows, Goldfinches, and Cardinals with seeds they love without having to clean-up shells. With ingredients like sunflower chips, oat groats, and hulled millet, you can provide the best for our Texas birds.
Our Premium Wild Bird Blend and Fruit & Nut Blend are both available in 20 lb sizes so you can keep your feeders full all winter long!
Check out our Bird Seed Feeding Chart here to learn more about which birds you can attract to your landscape!
BIRD SEED FEEDERS
Choose a quality feeder to keep the birds fed and keep other critters out.
Try the Stokes Select Easy Fill Metal Mixed Seed Bird Feeder. Make feeding easy with its SureFill No Spill features. Its spring-loaded, push-button top effortlessly opens with one touch, single-handedly taking away the feeder refill juggling act! Its newly designed metal seed tray with a wide perch rim helps to keep dropped seeds off the ground and allows larger birds to comfortably feed.
Worried about squirrels? Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Flexport® Bird Feeder is just what you need! To offer defense against squirrels, this feeder has a Sure-Lock cap and a weight-activated Seed Shield so squirrels can’t gain access to the seed supply. It also includes four feeding stations with their patented Flexports.
SUET CAKES & FEEDERS
Suet is a popular food for wild birds. It is made from rendered fat that is melted to remove impurities. It is then mixed with bird seed, nuts, and fruit to offer a stronger nutritional value. It is an ideal option for all seasons because of its melt-free capabilities with temperatures up to 124 degrees F.
Heath® Crafted Suet Cakes are made from the highest quality blends. Each variety is made with all natural ingredients and no artificial flavoring.
Suet Cakes need a special, cage-like feeder to support it properly. Birds cling to a sturdy wire cage that withstands rigors of daily use, and the metal cage is topped with a galvanized overhanging roof to protect food from the weather.
HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS & NECTARS
Did you know Hummingbird’s feed five to eight times per hour? A Hummingbird’s diet consists of nectar-producing flowers, tree sap, fruit juices, pollen, and insects. Help their hearty appetites and entice these lovely creatures to visit your garden with the proper feeders and nectar.
More Birds® Hummingbird Feeders feature soft ports and an integrated perch design that optimize the feeding angle and comfort for all species of Hummingbirds. The wide bottle openings and detachable flat bases make filling easy and cleaning a breeze for you. Plus, you can attract more Hummingbirds with their favorite color; each design comes in a vibrant shade of red.
Give our friendly Hummingbirds the best with premium nectars and powders. More Birds® Concentrate Hummingbird Nectar contains added vitamins and calcium for better egg hatching.
TIP #2: PROVIDE SHELTER
Keep birds safe from the elements with a trusty bird house! Bird houses are much more secure than a wild nest. They are made from insulated wood and provide a warm place for birds to lay their eggs and raise their young. They can also protect birds from predators like cats, squirrels, etc.
Explore our selection of premium bird houses today! We have unique and artsy designs or trendy rustic options. The Rustic Farmhouse Wren House incorporates popular rustic materials with functional design. This hanging nest box has a pitched roof and room for small cavity dwellers.
DIY HOMEMADE BIRD FEEDER WITH ORANGES
Are you ready to make your own bird feeder? Gather your family and enjoy this fun activity together!
SUPPLIES:
- Calloway’s Premium Bird Seed
- Large Oranges
- Skewers or Straws
- Twine
STEP ONE: CUT & CLEAN OUT THE ORANGES
Cut your oranges in half. With a spoon, scoop out the fruit until you just have orange peel bowls remaining.
STEP TWO: ADD SKEWERS & TWINE
Next, with 2 wooden cooking skewers or straws, carefully poke it through one side of the orange and out the other side. Cross with an additional skewer on the opposite sides of the orange.
After the skewers are set, cut 4 pieces of twine that is at least 18 inches long. Tie each end of the twine to each end of the skewers.
STEP THREE: ADD BIRD SEED & DISPLAY
Once your orange bird feeder is complete, fill it with your choice of Calloway’s Premium Bird Seed.
Take your creation outside and hang it on a near by tree. Sit back and enjoy the many visitors that will come partake in this tasty treat!
SHOP WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need to support our feathered friends! Stop by and explore our entire collection of birding products and supplies! Shop our neighborhood stores or shop online now!
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
