Helping Wild Birds in Spring

During spring, wild birds focus on three main activities: 

Understanding these needs is the first step toward supporting your local spring birds. 

Helping birds in spring is vital for their survival as it is a critical season of intense activity. During this time, birds expend significant energy building nests, finding mates, and raising chicks. Supporting them with food, water, and shelter can make the difference between success and failure.  

Many birds struggle due to habitat loss, climate changes, and a lack of natural food sources. By providing high-energy foods like seeds, suet, or mealworms, you can replenish their energy reserves. Helping to care for them, especially in the areas that are most demanding of energy like food, water and finding a place to raise young, you take away some of the hardships so they have a better chance to thrive. 

Spring presents an important opportunity to support birds as they face unique seasonal challenges. There are many simple yet impactful ways to assist these feathered friends, ensuring their well-being and aiding their survival during this critical time of the year. 

During spring, birds require high-energy and nutrient-rich foods to support their demanding activities, including mating, nest building, and raising their young. Offering a variety of foods ensures you meet the nutritional needs of different species. High-protein options like LFJ Millers Dried Mealworms, suet, and peanuts are excellent for insect-eating birds, helping them replenish energy after migration or during nesting.  

Seeds such as Jollyes Black Sunflower Wildbird Seed and nyjer seeds are ideal for finches and sparrows, while fruit pieces like oranges or apples attract orioles and other fruit-loving birds. Food like nectar is crucial for hummingbirds returning to your area after winter. Providing these options not only assists birds in finding reliable nutrition but also encourages biodiversity in your garden. Always ensure food is fresh and clean to avoid contamination, and offer it in feeders appropriate for a diverse variety of species to maximise accessibility. 

Placing bird feeders and tables in your garden can greatly enhance the habitat for local bird species, providing them with a reliable food source. Position feeders in a quiet area of the garden, away from high-footfall zones, to create a safe and undisturbed feeding environment. Ideally, they should be placed near shrubs or trees, offering birds a sense of protection and quick access to shelter in case of predators.  

Be sure that feeders are elevated to deter ground-based predators like cats. Avoid positioning them too close to windows, as birds may accidentally collide with them. Regularly clean the feeders to prevent the spread of disease and replenish fresh food, creating a consistent haven that birds will frequently visit and thrive in. Different styles of bird feeders may suit different species, so be sure to pick something appropriate for the feeding behaviours of the species that populate your garden.  

Water is essential for birds in spring as they enter the breeding season and face increased physical demands. Hydration supports their metabolism, aids in digestion, and keeps them active during this busy time. Water is also critical for bathing, which helps birds keep their feathers in good condition and protects them from parasites. Providing clean water ensures they can meet these needs effectively.  

To support birds, set up shallow birdbaths or bowls like the Henry Bell Bronze Wild Bird Bath filled with fresh water, and clean them regularly to prevent contamination. Adding a few stones for perching allows even smaller species to drink and bathe safely. For added appeal, you could always get creative and consider building a gently bubbling fountain, as the sound of flowing water attracts birds and keeps the supply oxygenated and fresh! 

 

Spring is a critical season for birds, as it is their primary nesting and breeding period. Providing safe nesting spots ensures that birds can reproduce and raise their young in a secure environment. It also supports the local ecosystem by maintaining bird populations.  

Nesting boxes like the LFJ Millers Nest Box Bird House are an excellent way to offer these safe spaces, particularly for species that rely on cavities. Place these boxes in quiet areas, away from frequent human activity and potential predators. Mount them at an appropriate height, usually 6-10 feet above the ground, and ensure they face away from prevailing winds.  

Avoid overly exposed locations and consider placing them near shrubs or trees for additional cover. This thoughtful placement protects nests and promotes bird conservation. If you plan ahead and place these boxes before spring, when the season comes you’re more likely to get a front-row seat to this year’s baby birds being cared for ad learning how to fly when it comes time to leave the nest. 

Using chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides in your garden poses significant dangers to birds. These substances can contaminate soil, water, and insects, which are key food sources for many bird species, leading to poisoning and disruption of their natural habitat.  

Chemical exposure can harm bird reproduction and overall health. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like companion planting to deter pests or using organic compost to enrich soil. Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to control harmful pests. These eco-friendly practices help maintain a safe and thriving environment for birds while fostering healthy garden growth. 

Joining a bird-watching club offers numerous benefits both for enthusiasts and the birds themselves. These groups provide opportunities to learn about bird species, their behaviours, and conservation needs through shared knowledge and experiences. By collaborating with like-minded individuals, members can gain insights into preserving bird habitats and advocating for bird-friendly practices. 

Group activities, such as participating in bird counts or habitat restoration efforts, contribute directly to bird conservation. Through collective action and education, these communities raise awareness about the challenges birds face, helping to create safer environments. Joining such a group combines personal passion with meaningful environmental impact. 

Creating an inviting space for wild birds in spring transforms your garden into a vibrant, lively sanctuary. These simple yet impactful steps can help you provide the support birds need during one of the most crucial times of the year.  

Not sure where to begin? Start small with a bird feeder, some water, and fresh fruits and watch your garden turn into a spring bird paradise. You can find all the spring necessities for wild birds by visiting Jollyes online or in store. Happy bird watching!