Spring Cleaning--Preparing Your Yard for the Birds

Written by Jenna Atma, Avian Biologist and Naturalist
All photos taken by Jenna Atma

Spring is just around the corner, and with the weather beginning to warm up, now is the perfect time to prepare your yard to welcome our feathered friends for the summer. Spring migration has already begun for some bird species, and when they arrive they will be looking for reliable food sources and safe nesting spots. By preparing your outdoor spaces now, you'll be able to create an inviting and safe environment for birds and beautify your yard in the process! 

Tree Swallow pair scoping out a birdhouse

Here is a guide to a few ideas to help you get your yard in tip-top shape for the spring season:

1. Clean Your Bird Feeders

Winter can leave bird feeders looking a little worn out and dirty, which can lead to mold, bacteria, or parasites that might harm the birds you’re trying to help. Start your spring prep by giving your feeders a thorough cleaning.

• Remove Old Seeds: Begin by discarding any old or moldy bird seed. This is important, as stale food can harbor fungus and bacteria.

• Scrub the Feeders: Use warm water and a mild soap to clean the feeders. A stiff brush is great for getting into the crevices.

• Rinse and Dry Well: Be sure to rinse your feeders thoroughly and allow the feeders to dry completely before refilling with fresh birdseed. A dry feeder is less likely to develop mold.

• Disinfect: To ensure your feeders continue to be safe for birds, you can wipe them down with Clorox wipes every so often to help prevent the spread of disease. You can also disinfect your feeders by soaking them in a 10% bleach solution for 10-15 minutes and then rinsing well before hanging them back up.

American Goldfinches and a Tufted Titmouse at a backyard feeder

2. Put Up Seasonal Feeders

Birds are looking for high-energy food to fuel their busy spring activities, whether that’s migrating, building nests, or raising chicks. You can add additional feeder types to offer a mix of foods that cater to different bird species.

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These are a favorite for most backyard birds, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches.

• Suet Cakes: Suet is an excellent choice for woodpeckers and nuthatches. You can buy suet cakes or make your own with animal fat or peanut butter, seeds, and nuts.

• Sugar Water: If you have hummingbirds in your area, don’t forget to prepare your hummingbird feeders with a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. Do NOT use honey or premade nectar with red dye; it can cause mold growth and may make hummingbirds very sick! 

• Fruit: Some species, such as Baltimore Orioles, love sweet fruit, like oranges. Secure halved oranges to a platform feeder to draw them in!

• Mealworms: For insect-eating birds, such as bluebirds and wrens, mealworms (live or dried) can be an excellent source of protein. These can be offered in a dish feeder, preferably with a rain cover to keep the mealworms from getting mushy. 

Hummingbird feeders sometimes attract other species, like this Baltimore Oriole!

3. Provide a Water Source

In addition to food, birds love having access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Consider setting up a birdbath or small water dish in your yard. Keep the water level shallow and change it regularly to prevent the buildup of algae or bacteria. Bird especially love running water, like a stream or fountain!

4. Supply Birdhouses for Nesting Spots

Birdhouses provide safe, secure places for birds to build their nests and raise their young. Late winter is a key time for many birds to start looking for a nesting spot, so providing birdhouses in your yard can help create safe and useable nesting locations when the birds start nest-building. 

Eastern Bluebird building a nest in a bluebird box

If you are putting up new birdhouses, remember that the placement of your birdhouses plays a significant role in attracting birds and keeping them safe. You should try to place birdhouses in quiet, sheltered spots that are away from heavy human activity and predators (if you have free-roaming cats, keep them indoors to keep your birds safe--even fat or lazy cats are able to catch birds with ease!). Ideally, birdhouses should be mounted at least 5 to 10 feet above the ground, and in areas with some cover like trees or shrubs. If you are cleaning out old birdhouses, remember to remove any old nesting material from last year and inspect your birdhouses for any damage that may need to be repaired to keep your birds safe.

5. Plant Native

American Goldfinch finding food on native Brown-eyed Susans

One of the most important things you can do for your backyard birds is to provide a natural habitat and consistent food source throughout the spring. Native trees and shrubs provide crucial habitat for many birds, as well as serving as a food source or nesting location for many bird species. Planting native flowers is also important, as it provides a food source for birds as well as insects, which can also be a food source themselves for many bird species. 

Downy Woodpecker clinging to a backyard tree

Spring is an exciting time as migratory birds return to their breeding ground and local birds become more active. By preparing your yard now, you’ll not only create a welcoming space for our feathered friends by providing food and shelter, but it also allows you to enjoy the beauty and joy that birds bring to your yard. Happy birdwatching!