Spring is a busy season for wild birds as they migrate, claim territory, attract mates, build nests and nurture chicks. But what do birds eat in spring to get enough energy and nutrition for all this activity? A wide variety of foods — from plant buds, nectar, and insects to mollusk shells, and seeds — are all on the spring menu. A birds exact diet depends on the species, where its located, andwhat food is easiest to find. Understanding a birds nutritional needs in spring can help every backyard birder offer the best options at their feeders to nourish spring birds.
During the winter, birds need plenty of fat, carbohydrates and calories to provide enough energy to stay warm when temperatures drop. Suet, nuts and grains are ideal winter foods and adding sunflower seed, Nyjer and peanuts to winter feeders are sure to give wild birds a nutritious energy boost.
However, in spring, new natural foods start to appear as insects hatch, grubs become active, plant buds swell and flowers bloom. Birds will take advantage of these new food sources throughout the spring to fuel their seasonal activities.
Spring is here, and our feathered friends need our help more than ever! As someone who’s been feeding birds for over a decade, I’ve learned that spring feeding is actually super critical for both migrating and local birds. Let me share everything you need to know about keeping your backyard birds happy and healthy during this busy season.
Why Spring Bird Feeding is Crucial
Despite what many folks think, spring can be a tough time for birds Here’s why
- Natural food sources are still limited
- Migrating birds are exhausted from long journeys
- Birds need extra energy for mating and nesting
- Late spring snowstorms can suddenly hide available food
- Both resident and migrating birds compete for limited resources
Best Foods for Spring Birds
1. High-Energy Seeds
- Black oil sunflower seeds (top choice!)
- Striped sunflower seeds
- Nyjer seeds
- Peanuts (unsalted)
2. Protein-Rich Options
- Dried mealworms
- Suet kibbles
- Nuts
- Peanut butter
3. Fresh Fruits
- Orange halves
- Grape halves
- Banana slices
- Apple pieces
- Berries
Setting Up Your Spring Feeding Station
Here’s my tried-and-true setup that keeps birds coming back
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Multiple Feeder Types
- Mesh feeders for seed
- Platform feeders for fruits
- Suet cages
- Ground feeding areas
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Water Sources
- Bird baths (heated for early spring)
- Shallow dishes
- Moving water features
Special Tips for Different Bird Types
Migrating Birds
- Offer nectar feeders for hummingbirds
- Put out orange halves for orioles
- Include high-fat foods for quick energy
Nesting Birds
- Provide calcium-rich foods
- Offer protein sources
- Keep feeders consistently filled
Pro Tips from My Experience
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Keep it Clean
- Clean feeders weekly
- Use mild bleach solution
- Let feeders dry completely
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Smart Placement
- Near natural shelter
- Away from windows
- Protected from rain
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Feeding Schedule
- Fill feeders early morning
- Check levels late afternoon
- Maintain consistent supply
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t stop feeding suddenly
- Don’t use moldy or wet food
- Don’t forget about water sources
- Don’t use human food leftovers
- Don’t ignore feeder cleaning
My Special Spring Mix Recipe
I’ve developed this mix that birds absolutely love:
- 50% black oil sunflower seeds
- 20% striped sunflower seeds
- 15% dried mealworms
- 10% peanut pieces
- 5% dried fruits
Benefits of Spring Bird Feeding
When you feed birds in spring, you’re not just helping them – you’re helping your garden too! Birds will:
- Control pest insects
- Help with pollination
- Add natural beauty
- Provide free entertainment
- Stay around for summer
When to Start Spring Feeding
Start your spring feeding routine when you notice these signs:
- First spring migrants appearing
- Snow beginning to melt
- Early spring flowers emerging
- Temperatures consistently above freezing
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what I do when:
Problem: Birds aren’t coming to feeders
Solution: Try moving feeders to more protected areas
Problem: Seeds getting wet
Solution: Add rain guards or weather domes
Problem: Aggressive birds taking over
Solution: Set up multiple feeding stations
Final Thoughts
Spring bird feeding isn’t just about throwing some seeds out – it’s about providing the right nutrition at the right time. By following these guidelines, you’ll create a bird-friendly haven that supports both local and migrating birds during this crucial season.
Remember, consistency is key! Your feathered friends will come to rely on your feeders as an important food source during their busy spring activities. Keep those feeders filled, clean, and ready for action!
What Migrating Birds Eat
As birds migrate, they need fast energy to sustain flight. The same winter foods high in fat and calories that keep birds warm also provide energy for migrating in the spring. Sugary foods, however, also provide easy-to-digest energy, and birds will sip at the nectar in early flowers or nibble swollen buds or berries as they migrate.
Similarly, the fat from small caterpillars in spring can also be a fast energy source for migrating birds and local residents looking for fresh spring food sources.
To provide migrating birds with good energy in the yard, put out a nectar feeder early in spring to tempt hummingbirds and orioles. Fresh fruit, such as orange halves, will also be a welcome treat for migrating orioles and tanagers. Smaller fruits, such as grape halves, can easily be added to a tray or dish feeder for thrushes and thrashers.
What Nesting Birds Eat
Later in spring, birds build nests and begin to lay eggs. Good protein sources are essential to keep muscles strong and to help birds lay healthy eggs. Abundant calcium is also necessary for strong eggshells that can withstand stresses in the nest, such as being moved and turned about. Birds get this necessary nutrition from eating plenty of spring insects, which have calcium in their exoskeletons. Small snails are also a calcium-rich snack, and birds will gobble up the shells for that extra calcium.
At the same time, nuts and fruit continue to be good spring foods, providing healthy doses of energy and protein for hungry nesting birds.
Adding peanuts to a feeder will ensure that spring birds have plenty of protein, as will either live or roasted mealworms. Birdseed mixes specially formulated for spring often have mealworms in the mix and may also be enriched with calcium to support the nutritional needs of nesting birds. Chicken eggshells can be lightly toasted (to kill off any bacteria) and crushed to sprinkle over the ground or add to a birdseed mix for even more calcium.
How to Feed Birds – Springtime
FAQ
Is it okay to feed birds in the spring?
Feeding birds in the spring is not just an act of kindness but also plays a crucial role in supporting them as they resume their place in the ecosystem.May 1, 2024
What is the 5 7 9 rule for bird feeders?
It refers to how you should place your feeder. The ideal spot should be 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from any structures (especially trees), and nothing less than 9 feet hanging above it. An effective solution is using a thin metallic wire to suspend your feeder between two trees.
Is it okay to feed backyard birds?
There has been speculation that feeding birds can have an impact of bird migration, possibly delaying it, but evidence has shown that not to be the case. It is fine to feed birds year-round.
How long to leave bird feeders out?
While we generally recommend people only put bird feeders out from December 1 through March 31, variable winter weather can sometimes dictate that birdfeeders should be removed even during this period.