The Affordable Item That Offers Birds A Safe, Grippable Perch In Winter

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Winter can be a bit rough for birds. Our little feathered friends struggle to find a spot to rest, quickly sinking into inches-deep snow or slipping on icy ground. But what if the solution to helping them perch more safely was at the bottom of your gym bag? Turns out, a humble tennis ball can become a surprisingly safe and grippable perch for birds who need a break from icy and snowy surfaces. This simple trick is a huge help for birds, who can struggle to survive winter's harsh conditions when food and water become harder to find.

The best part about this hack is that it's as simple as it is affordable. It's a handy way to repurpose tennis balls you already own, or if you don't already own any, it's an affordable investment. You can get a can of three Wilson championship tennis balls for just $3.69, so you won't be breaking the bank while trying to help birds survive winter. And if you've got extra, you can throw a tennis ball into a pond or body of water to help prevent it from freezing over.

But back to birds: part of the reason they'll love you for this hack is that tennis balls are textured and easy to grip onto. They're lightweight, so they don't sink into snow, allowing birds to get a good, stable landing spot on your lawn. This will give them a safe space to steady themselves and assess their environment, especially as they get tired searching for food and shelter. Plus, tennis balls are bright yellow, which makes them easy to spot in a blanket of white snow. That's helpful for birds, but it will also help you see them and pick them up come winter's end.

If you're hoping to keep birds coming to your yard in winter, tennis balls are your best friend. To do this, simply scatter a few tennis balls over your lawn after a snowfall or cold snap. The important thing to keep in mind is that the tennis ball should stand on top of the snow, and not be completely covered by it. If it snows again and the tennis ball disappears, you can dig it up and throw it back on top of the snow, or simply add a few more tennis balls to your lawn. In any case, you'll be able to retrieve them when the snow melts and set them aside for next winter, or for other hacks, like removing scuff marks on your floor with a genius tennis ball hack.

Depending on how deep the snow is, this hack is also a great way to help wildlife find food in your lawn despite the freezing temperatures. If the tennis ball touches the ground, small insects will gather under it for shelter. Then, birds or hedgehogs will be able to snack on them. Of course, this won't work as well if you're dealing with 10 inches of snow, since the ball won't be in contact with the ground.

While the tennis balls can be placed anywhere on your lawn, consider leaving them where birds are most likely to hang out. Place them near a bird feeder or bird bath, for example, which are likely to naturally draw wildlife to that area. When in doubt, check for small tracks in the snow, which could help you find the ideal spot for tennis balls.