A recent cold spell in central Ohio attracted many species of birds to the backyard of BWD advertising director Kelly Ball. She has invested considerable time and money into establishing her humble bird-feeding hamlet. Because birds cannot leave Yelp reviews, their regular occurrence at her feeders is how she gauges success. Here are some things she's learned along the way, in particular what has worked for her for successful winter feeding.

Looking for the best ways to attract hummingbirds? BWD editor Bill Thompson, III, lists the most effective ways to make your hard a hummingbird haven.

Sunflower seed may be the hamburger of the bird world, but don't you sometimes get bored scooping the same old seed out of those 50-pound bags? We'll never know if the birds get bored, too. But just in case they are yawning at your feeder offerings, BWD editor Bill Thompson, III, has a few suggestions to help you break out of the old feeder routine.

What bird is that? Consult our bird identification guide to ID mystery birds in the backyard and beyond. We have photos, song recordings, in-depth entries, and more to help bird watchers correctly identify the birds they spot.