Offering mealworms helps insect-eating birds in winter

A California Towhee feasts on mealworms. Photo by J.J. Meyer

Finding food can be challenging for our backyard birds in winter, especially for the insect-eaters.  Insects are mostly dormant making it difficult for these birds to survive the cold.  Birds need to consume more calories in winter to conserve body heat. Offering mealworms and insect-laced suet can help.

Live mealworms can be purchased at many pet and nature stores such as Wild Birds Unlimited.  Two Black Phoebes visit my yard morning and night for mealworms. They peep on my patio and look in the window until I come out with the food.
Happy Birding!
J.J.