January in Ohio: Bring the Birds to You When It’s Too Cold to Go Anywhere

January in Ohio isn’t the season for casual outings. Between freezing temperatures, icy roads, and short daylight hours, most people spend more time indoors than they’d like. But winter doesn’t mean everything outside comes to a stop — in fact, January is one of the most active months for wild birds.

When the weather turns cold, birds have higher energy needs and rely heavily on dependable food sources. With the right setup, you can turn your yard — or even just the view outside your window — into a winter wildlife hotspot.

Why Birds Need More Food in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures force birds to burn more calories just to stay warm. Snow and ice also make natural food sources harder to find, which is why birds become more visible and more consistent around feeders during January.

Providing quality feed during winter helps birds:

• Maintain body heat

• Conserve energy

• Return regularly to the same feeding spots

This is also why feeders tend to stay busier in January than in warmer months.

The Right Feed Makes All the Difference

Not all bird feed is equal, especially in winter. High-energy seed blends and suet are especially effective during cold weather because they provide the fats and calories birds need to survive freezing nights.

Keeping feeders filled with fresh feed encourages birds to:

• Visit more often

• Stay longer

• Bring additional birds with them

Many customers are surprised by just how much activity they see once cold weather sets in.

Bring the Fun Inside With Bird Camera Feeders

If it’s too cold to stand outside and watch, bird camera feeders make winter birding even better. These feeders allow you to watch birds up close — often right from your phone or tablet — while staying warm indoors.

They’re especially popular in January because:

• Birds visit more frequently in cold weather

• Bare trees provide clear views

• Families enjoy identifying different species together

It’s an easy way to stay connected to nature during the coldest month of the year.

Simple Tips for Winter Bird Feeding

• Keep feeders stocked consistently

• Place feeders where birds can escape wind

• Clear snow below feeders when possible

• Provide fresh feed regularly

Small efforts go a long way in January.

Make January More Enjoyable

When it’s hard to get out and do much in Ohio winter weather, bringing the activity to you makes all the difference. Watching birds gather, feed, and return daily adds life to cold, quiet days — and it’s something the whole family can enjoy.

At Pettigrew Feed & Hardware, we carry fresh bird feed, feeders, and bird camera feeders to help you make the most of winter — without leaving the warmth of home.

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