We are quick to hustle off to the grocery store when winter storms threaten. But what about the many songbirds that do not have such a handy source of food available, just when it is most needed?

Bird feeders can provide that source of energy for Connecticut’s birds that overwinter, and offer natural entertainment for the humans perched inside, watching the birds perched outside.

In Connecticut, depending on the seed and treats provided, a variety of birds will eagerly visit bird feeders. Finches, sparrows, juncos, chickadees, titmouse, nuthatches, and others will be pleased with bird feeders containing black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, thistle, millet, and bits of fruit. Do not be surprised to find mourning doves, cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers joining in the feast, if a large platform of bird feed is provided.

For a treat, add bread crumbs, popcorn, peanuts, or raisins, as well as a chunk of suet or peanut butter (safely encased and out of a squirrel’s reach — if such a thing exists.)

Salt is actually a necessary mineral for birds. But birds who take in salt used on roads can find that to be a deadly choice. Birding.about.com offers this advice: “Create a strong saltwater solution and let it evaporate in a shallow dish to make larger crystals, or pour it over a log or stump if there is no danger of freezing,” to make a safe source of salt for backyard birds.

For best practices in bird feeding, this website offers other tips.

A variety of different kinds of bird feeders will attract the greatest variety of birds, with hopper and platform styles most popular.

“Feeders will be most useful in the winter if they have a wide cover over feeding ports, perches and dispensing trays so seed is not buried during snowfalls or storms. Fly-through platform feeders are especially good designs for winter bird feeding,” suggests this website.

Keeping birds safe while feeding is essential.

“Winter bird feeders should be placed in sheltered locations out of the most severe winds. Placing feeders closer to the house will be effective and will help keep the birds visible for indoor birdwatching. At the same time, feeders should be placed near protective cover such as hedges or a brush pile to offer birds safety from predators. To minimize window collisions,” birding.about.com notes, “place feeders no more than five feet away from a wall or window, and use window clings or other techniques to prevent collisions.”

Other things to consider is the capacity of a bird feeder. Frigid weather and deep snow may make refilling a small feeder inconvenient. Large capacity feeders can eliminate this worry, so long as the feeder is kept clean and mold free.

With food sources at a premium in winter, many birds may be attracted to backyard feeders. Feeders must be thoroughly cleaned, regularly, to minimize mold and mildew, which can spread diseases among bird populations. Birding.about.com suggests, “When cleaning, discard soggy seed or seed encased in ice, and let the feeder dry before refilling if possible.”

“The North Wind doth blow, and we shall have snow, and what will poor robin do then?” If he is lucky, he will visit a clean and well-stocked bird feeder.

Enjoy the wrath of winter, snugly settled in with a cup of hot cocoa, look out the window, and watch as the birds enjoy the generosity of human helpers.