Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard for Spring

As migratory species make their way back this spring and local birds become more active, your backyard can become a lively haven for these feathered friends. By providing vital resources such as food and water, you can attract a variety of bird species to your yard. 

At Pleasants Hardware, we offer a wide selection of products to help you enhance your bird-watching experience this spring.

As nature blooms during spring, birds have access to abundant food sources like insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. However, providing supplemental food through feeders can still be beneficial, especially during transitional weather when natural resources fluctuate.

Choosing the Right Feeder

If you decide to feed birds in spring, selecting the right type of feeder is essential. Different feeders cater to various bird species, so choosing the right one can make a significant difference.

• Hopper Feeders: These feeders are excellent for offering seeds to multiple birds at once while protecting the food from the elements.
• Tube Feeders: Ideal for small songbirds, these feeders provide an efficient way to serve seeds while reducing waste.
• Suet Feeders: Offering a high-energy food source, suet is perfect for the cooler days of early spring.

Clean water is crucial for birds, serving both as hydration and for bathing. Adding a bird bath to your garden can be an effective way to attract a variety of bird species.  If you're looking for bird bath alternatives, shallow dishes or hanging bird baths can also work, as long as they’re changed regularly to ensure clean water.

Adding movement to the water through drippers or small fountains can also entice birds, as moving water is more appealing and helps prevent stagnation.

Caring for Feeders and Baths

To keep your bird visitors healthy and happy, maintaining your feeders and bird baths is key. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent mold, bacteria, and other health risks for birds.

• Cleaning: Clean your feeders and bird baths frequently with a mild soap solution. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and let everything dry completely before refilling.
• Replacing Food and Water: Bird seeds, suet, and water should be replaced every few days, as they can spoil or become contaminated.
• Proper Placement: Keep feeders and bird baths in shaded areas to maintain freshness and comfort for the birds.

Designing a Bird-Friendly Habitat

Beyond providing food and water, creating a habitat that offers natural shelter and protection is equally important. Birds thrive in environments where they can nest safely and find protection from predators. Consider incorporating native plants into your landscape that offer food and shelter for birds, as well as bird houses for additional shelter.

By combining thoughtful feeding and watering practices with a bird-friendly habitat, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of spring birds right in your own backyard. Visit Pleasants Hardware today to discover a wide variety of bird feeders, baths, and other essentials to support your spring bird-watching this season.