Welcoming Spring Birds: How to Create a Bird-Friendly Backyard

As the weather warms, migratory birds return home to Hampton Roads, and local birds become more active. Providing essential resources like food and water can transform your backyard into a haven for these feathered friends. 

At Taylor's Do it Center, we offer a range of products to support and enhance your bird-watching experience from the comfort of your backyard.

Feeding Birds in Spring

Springtime offers an abundance of natural food sources for birds, such as insects, berries, seeds, and nuts. While bird feeders can supplement these resources, it's important to use them thoughtfully to avoid potential issues like disease spread and attracting unwanted pests.

Types of Bird Feeders

If you choose to provide supplemental feeding during spring, selecting the appropriate feeder is crucial:

• Hopper Feeders: These feeders protect seeds from the elements and can accommodate multiple birds simultaneously.
• Tube Feeders: Ideal for smaller birds, tube feeders dispense seeds through small ports, minimizing waste.
• Suet Feeders: Suet provides a high-energy food source, especially beneficial during cooler spring days.

Providing Water Sources

Clean, fresh water is vital for birds, serving both drinking and bathing needs. Introducing a bird bath to your backyard can attract a variety of bird species to your garden.

Maintaining Feeders and Baths

To keep birds healthy, it’s essential to maintain a clean feeding and watering environment. Regular upkeep helps prevent mold, bacteria, and disease from spreading among bird populations.

• Cleaning: Regularly clean feeders and bird baths with a mild dish soap solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before refilling.
• Fresh Food and Water: Replace seeds, suet, and water every few days to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
• Positioning: Place feeders and baths in shaded areas to keep food and water fresh longer while providing a comfortable environment for birds.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Habitat

Beyond food and water, birds thrive in environments that offer natural shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators. A thoughtfully designed garden can encourage a greater variety of species to visit and even take up residence in your yard.

Try incorporating native flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that offer natural food sources like nectar, seeds, and berries. You can also provide shelter through dense shrubs or birdhouses to offer nesting sites and protection from predators.