It’s that time again.
Lights twinkle from behind frosted windows, snow glitters in the sunlight, and trees are donned in red and gold.
The holidays are upon us again, and with them, beloved traditions that signify a season of giving, joy, and goodwill.
As we decorate trees, bring out wreaths, light candles, and enjoy the ritual of decorating our homes in the winter, there are several great ways we can ensure the birds in our neighborhoods have a happy holiday season, too.
Here are some best practices when decorating this season to help birds in your neighborhood.
Decorating Best Practices for a Bird-Friendly Holiday Season
1. Decorate Those Windows!
Got any of those jelly window clings with the cute penguins or presents on them? Bring them out!
Window clings and stickers help interrupt large panes of glass, which reflect open sky back to birds in flight and can cause them to fly into windows.
You can also consider putting decorations close to the window on the inside, to break up large, expansive windows.
Any of these options—window strings, decals, stickers, and nearby decorations—are great for birds, helping to notify them that the expansive glass ahead is not, in fact, open sky, and significantly reducing collisions.
2. Avoid Mesh, Fake Snow, Wires, & Netting.
Granted, Buffalo, New York does not want for fake snow; we get plenty of the real stuff.
It’s worth noting, though, that any type of mesh, wiring, netting, or fake snow—especially the gauzy types—can act as somewhat of a net and catch birds as they fly past.
As an alternative, consider displaying these types of decorations from the inside of your windows so birds don’t fly into them.
Who knew festive could be so bird-friendly?
3. Minimize Bright Lights at Night.
Holiday lights are a staple this time of year, whether on your Christmas tree or—if your last name is “Griswold”—littering every square inch of your home’s exterior.
When slinging those lights around your tree and home, consider using a dimmer or timer to reduce non-essential lighting late into the night.
Although migration season has ended—significantly reducing the high numbers of birds flying over our region each night—bright lights can still be disorienting to the birds in your region.
While birds are not necessarily relying on the night sky to help navigate their migratory journeys, bright lights can still be disruptive to birds who might be looking to hide in the dark of a nearby tree, or just generally fly at night.
4. Opt for Natural Materials.
While picture-perfect, fake red berries and other ornamental plants are always a favorite, they could unintentionally draw foraging birds looking for food in the winter.
The fake holly wreath or garland, itself, is not necessarily going to confuse birds; it’s more so the bright, alluring red fruit that garnishes it and mimics fruit, reads an explainer from Audubon Magazine. (If you love your wreath with the fake, red berries on it, just consider placing it somewhere away from feeders, trees, and other open spaces where birds are likely to forage!)
Better yet, why not put out some real fruit this year? If you’re decorating with a wreath or holly, sprinkle some dried oranges or cranberries, wheat stalks, pinecones, acorns, seeds, or other natural materials on it to make it a treat for birds.
Another idea: Make your own suet feeder by dipping pinecones in peanut butter and then coating them in birdseed. This can be a good alternative to glass ornaments (on outdoor trees), which, being reflective, can prompt birds to “fight” their own reflection as a territorial display.
Plus, native plants like holly, winterberry, and mistletoe, among others, make nice additions to holiday decor, while also helping birds and wildlife, in general, continues the Audubon Magazine explainer.
Visit National Audubon to find other native plants in your area.
If you do plan to decorate with native plants—especially those that produce berries and fruit—just check that your yard is free of anything that might be hazardous to birds (i.e. unobstructed windows, lots of wiring, etc.). This can help ensure that, when the berries and foods inevitably draw to your home, they’re met with a bird-friendly environment.
Holiday Decorating Is For the Birds
By minimizing bright lights into the night, avoiding mesh and wiring, using window decals, and opting for natural materials, you can help ensure birds near you have a happy holiday season, indeed.
From seasonal decorating to year-round additions for a more bird-friendly home, every bit counts to help create an environment where birds—and humans—can thrive, all year round.
Interested in learning more about simple changes that can help build a more bird-friendly community? Visit BirdFriendlyBuffalo.org for tips, news, and helpful information about different ways we can make our homes, businesses, and cities positive spaces for birds.
Buffalo Audubon is a Western New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to protecting birds and the places they live. Launching the Bird-Friendly Buffalo movement in 2025, the organization seeks to help raise awareness and guide communities with practical solutions to build a city where birds can thrive.
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