Let’s talk inchworms.

Wait… what do inchworms have to do with feeding birds in winter? So glad you asked — it’s actually a fascinating story!

Believe it or not, inchworms are an important winter food source for several of our backyard birds.

Inchworms are the larvae (or caterpillars) of small geometrid moths — and there are over 1,400 species native to North America! These tiny caterpillars, along with other insect larvae and eggs, spend the winter tucked into the bark and limbs of trees. Amazingly, they can survive extreme cold, ready to emerge again come spring.

Over time, many of our winter birds — like nuthatches, chickadees, wrens, kinglets, and Brown Creepers — have learned to search tree bark for these hidden snacks. You’ve probably seen them hopping along branches, carefully checking every crevice.

Enter Wild Birds Unlimited founder, Jim Carpenter. More than 30 years ago, he watched these birds foraging and wanted to attract Brown Creepers to his own yard. Working right in his kitchen, he spent nearly two decades perfecting a special “spreadable suet” — now known as Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter®.

And it worked! Brown Creepers loved it — and so did countless other birds. Over the years, more than 150 bird species have been documented enjoying Bark Butter.

Providing this high-energy, high-fat food is one of the best things you can do for your birds during the winter months. It’s easy to use and gives them the nutrition they need to thrive.

🐦 Pro Tip: If critters are a problem in your yard, try Hot Pepper Bark Butter® — birds love it, but critters… not so much!

Your birds will thank you — and who knows, you might just be helping a little frozen inchworm survive to wriggle another day next spring. 💚

 

Dates to look out for in Feb: 

🧡 Spread the love this Valentine's Day Starting Feb 5th!
Our Choice Plus Blend is part of the 100 Bag Sale — packed with tree nuts, Bark Butter® Bits, cherries, cranberries, and more.
High energy. High nutrition. Happy birds. ❄️🐦

 

Keep the high protein/high fat foods available this winter with our Specialty Food Promo Feb 5th - 23rd 

🐦 Birds love variety — and now’s the perfect time to upgrade your backyard buffet!
From our exclusive seed cylinders and suets to Bark Butter® and Bark Butter Bits, our specialty foods help you attract new feathered guests (and keep your regulars coming back for more!).

✨ Save now on our wide variety of specialty foods — and get a FREE specialty item when you buy four!
Come see who shows up at your feeders next!

 

                                                           

Our store is locally owned and operated by folks living right here in the community! We know you care about your backyard birds and wildlife - and so do we. We're proud to provide expert advice to help you bring the joy of bird feeding into your backyard.

We thank you for shopping our store and for supporting our small business.

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