There is something special about winter mornings in Buckingham Township. The air is crisp, the landscape feels calm, and suddenly a flash of red or a quick flutter of wings brings the garden to life. That everyday magic is one of the many reasons we are thrilled that as of January 2026, Buckingham Township has been officially recognized as the 84th Bird Town in Pennsylvania.
This designation celebrates communities that actively support bird conservation through habitat protection, education, and engagement. In other words, it recognizes places where people care deeply about birds and the landscapes they depend on. With our mix of open fields, woodlands, streams, and backyard gardens, Buckingham is a natural fit for this honor.
Winter is the perfect time to celebrate this achievement, because birds need us now more than ever. By providing food, water, and shelter, we help local and migrating species survive the cold months while enjoying some of the most rewarding wildlife viewing of the year.
Winter Birds You’re Likely to See in Buckingham and Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Even though many birds migrate south, winter in Bucks County is far from quiet. In fact, it is often easier to spot birds once leaves have fallen and feeders become popular gathering spots. Here are some of the most beloved winter visitors and year-round residents you are likely to see.
American Goldfinch
Goldfinches are strict vegetarians, and they love nyjer seed. During winter, their bright yellow summer feathers soften to a warm olive tone, but their energetic, social behavior stays the same.
Winter Feeding & Shelter Needs
Nyjer seed, black oil sunflower seed, and sheltered feeders that protect seed from snow.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinals do not migrate, which makes them a winter favorite. Their vivid red color stands out beautifully against snow-covered landscapes, and pairs often stay together year-round.
Winter Feeding & Shelter Needs
Black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, sturdy platform or hopper feeders, and dense shrubs for shelter.
Black-capped Chickadee
Chickadees are tiny birds with impressive memories. They stash food in hundreds of locations and remember where it is hidden for weeks.
Winter Feeding & Shelter Needs
High-fat foods like suet, peanuts, and sunflower seed, plus nearby trees for quick cover.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Nuthatches are famous for walking headfirst down tree trunks, a skill few birds can match. They often wedge seeds into bark to crack them open later.
Winter Feeding & Shelter Needs
Sunflower seed, suet, and feeders placed near mature trees.
Dark-eyed Junco
Often nicknamed “snowbirds,” juncos appear in greater numbers as cold weather arrives. They are ground feeders and prefer to hop rather than perch.
Winter Feeding & Shelter Needs
Mixed seed blends scattered on the ground or offered in low platform feeders.
Why Winter Feeding Matters So Much
Winter is the most challenging season for birds in our region. Natural food sources such as insects, berries, and seeds are scarce, and cold temperatures demand extra energy just to stay warm.
Providing consistent food during winter helps birds:
- Maintain body heat through high-energy diets
- Avoid dangerous long-distance searches for food
- Survive storms, ice, and prolonged cold snaps
- Enter spring in better condition for nesting and raising young
Once you begin feeding birds in winter, consistency is important. Birds quickly learn where reliable food sources are located, and they return daily. Keeping feeders filled during severe weather can make a meaningful difference.
What to Feed Birds in Winter
Not all bird food is created equal. Choosing the right seed and supplements helps attract a wider variety of species and reduces waste.
Top winter bird foods include:
- Black oil sunflower seed for cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and many others
- Nyjer seed for goldfinches and other finches
- Suet for woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches, especially during cold spells
- Peanuts for high-energy nutrition and lively feeder activity
- High-quality seed blends designed for local birds
Avoid low-quality mixes with excessive filler seeds, which birds often discard. Premium seed stays fresher, attracts more species, and keeps feeding areas cleaner. By the way, you can find all this and more at Bountiful Acres!
Feeders, Water, and Shelter: The Winter Trifecta
Food is only one part of winter bird care. A truly bird-friendly yard offers three essentials.
Feeders
Different birds prefer different feeder styles. Hopper feeders attract cardinals and finches, tube feeders work well for chickadees and goldfinches, and platform feeders suit ground-feeding species like juncos.
Water
Fresh water can be harder for birds to find than food in winter. A heated bird bath provides a reliable source for drinking and feather care, even when temperatures drop below freezing.
Shelter
Outside of birdhouses, evergreens, brush piles, and dense shrubs offer protection from wind and predators. Native trees and shrubs are especially valuable because they support insects and berries throughout the year.
Native Plants and Long-Term Bird Support
While feeders help in winter, native plants form the foundation of bird-friendly landscapes. Trees and shrubs native to Pennsylvania support insects, seeds, and fruit that birds rely on year-round.
Planting natives also creates natural shelter and nesting opportunities, reducing dependence on feeders over time. A landscape designed with birds in mind benefits pollinators, improves biodiversity, and adds beauty to every season.
Birding Is for Everyone!
One of the best parts of Buckingham’s Bird Town recognition is how accessible birding is. You don’t need special equipment or expert knowledge. A simple feeder outside a kitchen window can bring hours of enjoyment, spark curiosity in children, and create meaningful connections to nature.
Birds also encourage mindfulness. Watching them reminds us to slow down, notice seasonal changes, and appreciate the living world right outside our doors.
Celebrate Bird Town Pride With Us
We are proud to support backyard birds with a wide selection of premium bird seed, suet, feeders, heated bird baths, and beautiful birding accessories. Our knowledgeable, patient, and friendly staff love helping families choose the right supplies for their yards and the birds they hope to attract.
Whether you’ve been caring for your backyard birds for a while or just beginning, winter is the perfect season to start. Together, let’s celebrate our Pennsylvania Bird Town status and keep Buckingham’s skies, gardens, and backyards full of wings, color, and song all winter long.
