This is bird node. Some of the best ways to help backyard birds through the

winter mean doing less, not more. First, leave the leaves, tasty insects and

spiders live underneath. Backyard birds like the Toei in the song sparrow will

pick and kick through leaves again and again. Leave them where they've drifted

or rake them up under your plantings. Second, don't deadhead the plants in your

garden. Birds like pine siscans and goldfinches love to snack on dead flower

heads all winter long.

Number three, build an insect hotel. Okay, there's some work involved in this one, but

it's a cool project for kids and adults to do together. Make a structure out of

natural objects and found items to create little hidey holes for insects. Some of

these cozy hotel guests will become food for rents and other birds. It's also a

great way to repurpose old bricks and flower pots and bits of wood while

creating your own sculpture. So park the rake in the shed and the clippers too.

The birds, well thank you. Birdnote gives you the sounds of birds every day and

you can get the sights as well when you follow us on Instagram at Birdnote Radio.