Heather Katsoulis

As winter looms, thoughts turn to keeping winged visitors happy.

If you are interested in attracting birds in the winter and helping to keep them hale and hearty, see these three ways to keep birds happy:

1. Provide drinkable water.
   
   Birds and other small critters use more energy melting snow into drinkable form than just drinking water.
   
   Either provide fresh water a few times a day or keep water from freezing (you can use a deicing birdbath, for one).
   
   
2. Provide shelter from the harsh winds.
   
   An evergreen like Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'), a homemade roost, or even a nest box can provide a warmer place out of the cold wind.
   
   
3. Provide high-energy food.
   
   High-energy food, like a suet packed with black oil sunflower, can provide the caloric intake so helpful to birds combating the winter conditions.