Supplement nature with seed, suet to give birds a wintertime treat

Q. In addition to leaving the seed heads on my plants during the winter for the birds, is there any other help I can provide our feathered friends during the harsh winter months?A. While winter is a cruel season for birds, they have survived many other severe winters with only occasional major population losses. However, you can make their survival a bit easier by following these few tips. Although food is an obvious need, most birds can manage on the natural seeds and berries provided by growing plants. You can supplement this natural food by providing black oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, white millet and a cake of suet.A real necessity during the winter is clean water. Keep the water from freezing by using a water heater, or purchase a heated birdbath. Even on the coldest days, birds will bathe.Finally, birds need shelter. On cold nights, small birds like chickadees and nuthatches will readily use any empty nest boxes in your yard. You can create a natural refuge by propping your old Christmas tree in a corner of the yard, or by creating a brush pile by gathering a collection of limbs and branches. Arrange the largest branches parallel on the ground. Place the smaller branches on top. Your pile doesn't have to be perfect. Irregularity allows birds to #160;get in and out easily. You may also want to add boughs from your Christmas tree for extra insulation.Q. The heavy snow is weighing down the branches of my evergreens and bushes. Should I remove it?A. When heavy snows weigh down evergreen branches down, softly brush away snow but don't pound the branches with a broom. Don't shake the branches as this may cause them to break. This is especially true for evergreens which can collect excessive amounts of snow. To prevent snow from piling up and causing heavy loads on branches, remove snow after each snowfall.If ice accumulates on branches, just let it melt naturally to prevent breakage. Branches that are bent to extremes will often rebound as soon as the ice melts.bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.