Why Suet Still Matters: Feeding Birds in the Last Days of Winter

As winter slowly loosens its grip on Southern Ontario, many bird lovers start thinking about spring arrivals and nesting season. But before we welcome the first warblers and hummingbirds, our winter birds still need one last boost of energy to get through unpredictable March weather. That’s where suet plays a vital role.

Why Late-Winter Birds Need Extra Energy

Red Breasted Nuthatch on Suet Feeder. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

March is a transition month, where one day feels like spring, and the next brings a sudden snowstorm. For non-migratory birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and cardinals, these temperature swings mean they must constantly adjust their feeding habits.

Unlike seeds, which provide mostly carbohydrates, suet is packed with fat—a dense energy source that helps birds:

✔ Stay warm on cold nights
✔ Fuel high activity levels as breeding season begins
✔ Recover from unpredictable storms that limit natural food sources

Suet: A Backyard Essential for March

At this time of year, birds are transitioning from winter survival mode to preparing for nesting season. This means they need high-calorie, nutritious foods to build strength.

Best Suet Options for Late Winter & Early Spring

We offer several premium suet options that cater to different bird species:

🥜 SuperSuet® – Packed with high-fat content, mealworms, peanuts, and almonds, this is ideal for birds that need an extra energy boost. Perfect for attracting woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches.

🌰 Nuts & Berries Suet – A great choice for a wider variety of birds, including cardinals and jays, as they start preparing for spring nesting.

🦟 Bark Butter® Products – A versatile alternative to traditional suet, available as a spread, nuggets, or cakes, making it easier for different birds to enjoy.

💛 Hot Pepper Suet – Want to keep squirrels away while still feeding birds? This blend is designed to deter mammals while remaining a favorite for woodpeckers and chickadees.

How to Offer Suet in March

• Keep it fresh: As temperatures rise, suet can soften, so use a suet feeder with a roof or place it in shaded areas.
• Pair it with seeds: Offering Sunflower Chips or a blend like No-Mess Blend® alongside suet provides birds with variety.
• Watch for new visitors: Migratory birds like Yellow-rumped Warblers may start arriving and could sample suet in early spring!

Pine Warbler visiting suet during migration. Photo by Kristen Martyn.

As winter fades, suet remains one of the most valuable food sources for birds preparing for the changing season. Whether it's helping chickadees through a cold snap or fueling a woodpecker’s nest-building efforts, keeping your suet feeders stocked in March ensures that your backyard birds get the energy they need.

Explore our full selection of suet and other high-energy foods at Wild Birds Unlimited Barrie and help your feathered friends thrive through the last days of winter!

Spring is on the way! 

Warmly, 

Heather