The feeding station: Feeding can start as soon as it starts to freeze. Scatter the food on the ground in open areas so that the birds don't risk being eaten by cats lurking in the bushes. Another option is to place a feeding tray or a bird feeder/tube that hangs from a branch with a rope. Cats can only look at that with great relish. Place the feeding tray in a sunny and sheltered spot, preferably where you can keep an eye on them from behind the window. Make sure there is a canopy above the feeding tray so that the food doesn't get wet or disappear under a snowstorm. Furthermore, it's not advisable to place the feeding tray close to large trees, garden sheds, pergolas, etc., where cats can jump down.