It’s that time of year again. This past Sunday, our clocks moved ahead an hour, and we are inching closer and closer to that beautiful moment of Spring. For wild bird enthusiasts, that means it is also time to start prepping our yards for the increasing array of beautiful winged creatures coming our way. Below are some tips we have gathered to help you be ready to greet your backyard birds.
- Clean out your bird feeders, bird baths, and birdhouses
- It’s important to provide clean environments for wild birds to prevent the spread of disease. Whether your equipment has been out in the snow all winter or stored in the garage, it’s helpful to do some Spring cleaning. Empty out birdhouses, scrub bird baths, and take apart feeders to sanitize pieces with cleaning solution (vinegar is an effective and earth-friendly choice).
- Check birdhouse placement
- Ensure cleaned-out birdhouses are placed properly in your yard. While birdhouse placement varies depending on species, as a general rule birdhouses should be at least 5′ above the ground with the entrance facing away from prevailing winds.
- Ready your hummingbird feeders
- Hummingbirds are the mail carriers of the wild birds. They remember where they have previously found food and water, and keep a mental track of their route. A consistent and predictable supply of nectar means they didn’t waste valuable energy stopping by your yard.
- Provide nesting supplies
- Offer birds nesting materials to help them build homes for their families. Backyard clean up shouldn’t be too thorough. Leave some natural items about like twigs, leaves, and grass. Some people like to place feathers, fabric, yarn, and even pet fur outside for their wild birds.
- Embrace plants that attract birds
- Placing native plants and flowers in your yard are a wonderful addition to attract wild birds. They use these as food, nesting materials, and shelter.
- Consider updating or adding more feeding stations
- Chirp offers a variety of bird feeders that you can add to your yard to create an oasis for wild birds.
- Enjoy watching the birds!
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We had a family of chickadees in one of our boxes this year! It was magical to watch them feeding the young and then one day they were just gone! My question is, should we clean it out now? I have heard some birds will lay more than one clutch in a year. Please advise! Thank you! We love your store!
I would leave it up and undisturbed for now, and then clean it out in the Fall. You are right, birds will often lay multiple clutches in a year, so perhaps best to not disturb it during nesting season. Also other species besides chickadees may find the furnished home appealing. Thanks for the compliment on the shop! We will be moving just a half mile away at the end of the month, and are working on a bigger and better Chirp experience.