One question we receive from birders a lot this time of year is whether they should still be putting out food for birds now that winter is over. This article will set out why our backyard birds need us more than ever as we say farewell to winter.
Spring is a Busy Time for Birds
For birds that have already come a long way from their wintering grounds, spring is a busy season as they claim territory, seek out mates, build nests and begin to raise their young. It may be many weeks before flowers bloom and insects emerge and diminishing wild bird habitats have depleted many natural sources of food for wild birds - all challenges for our feathered friends. Offering foods for spring birds can not only invite them to your backyard, but can also help them survive late season storms and other hazards.
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Most Popular Food for Spring:
1. Birdseed: Black-oil sunflower seeds (or sunflower hearts for a no-mess, no-waste alternative) are ideal as a nutrition-rich seed. Avoid cheap bird seed mixes which contain a lot of "filler" such as red millet and milo.
2. Mealworms: Full of energy, essential nutrients, fats and proteins, mealworms are a preferred food for adult songbirds trying to feed their youngsters.
Spring is a great time to make sure your feeders are clean and in good repair. Browse our selection of bird feeder cleaning accessories
Goodbye Winter and Hello Spring!
With the coming warmer weather your yards, feeding stations and gardens will be bustling with new life. As always, we’re here to be your one-stop resource for information, advice and anything else you might need to create a feathery oasis in your yard. Happy spring from all of us at Urban Nature Store!
Jeff Tekavcic