Many outdoor items need to come inside or get covered when Mother Nature has a big storm brewing to keep them safe. Couch cushions, fragile items, and even wind chimes benefit from a quick relocation until the weather passes. But should you take your bird feeder down during a storm? We spoke with birding experts for a quick answer.
Is It OK to Leave Bird Feeders Outside During a Storm?
You can leave the bird feeder out if it’s a light storm with mild winds and rain. Ideally, the bird feeder should be covered or have a dome to prevent the birdseed from getting wet. For bigger storms with wind gusts, it’s safest to bring the feeder inside.
“High winds turn feeders into swinging hazards, and heavy rain or freezing moisture ruins the seed,” explains Gary Herritz, birding advisor for Birdfy. “Taking them down early keeps the food dry and your setup safe.”
If water does get inside, you should be careful not to let mold and bacteria grow inside, advises Denys Hemen, a bird expert and facility manger for the Audubon Center at Debs Park in California.
“The best way to control this is to put just enough seed in the feeder for that day and don't pile new seed above old seed,” she says. “Since your feeder will be damp during this period, it's a good idea to clean and disinfect a little sooner than you normally would or right after the storm.”
Do Birds Rely on Feeders During Storms?
Birds tend to feed just before and right after a storm. Herritz says they can sense bad weather coming, so they stock up on calories.
“During the actual storm, they are hunkered down in thick cover trying to stay out of the wind and rain,” he adds. “Once it clears, they come right back out looking for an easy meal to bounce back.”
That said, try not to remove the feeder too early if you do need to take it down. And once the weather passes, putting it back up quickly again can ensure your local birds don’t go hungry.
More Ways to Help Birds Stay Safe in a Storm
The best thing you can do for birds to help them weather a storm is to plant native plants in your yard or on your patio. “Thick shrubs offer cover during the storm, and native plants attract pollinators that birds feed upon once the storm is over,” Hemen explains. “The seeds and nectar also offer nutrition.” Water is huge too, especially when everything freezes over.
Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it.
