Spring is just around the corner, and that means birds will soon be busy nesting, singing, and filling our backyards with activity! Before the season is in full swing, it’s time to make sure your birdhouses and feeders are ready for their feathered visitors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare your backyard sanctuary for spring birdwatching.
1. Clean Out Those Birdhouses
Many birds, like bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens, will be looking for safe, cozy places to build their nests. If you left your birdhouses up over the winter, now is the time to clean them out to remove any old nests, debris, or pests.
🔹 How to Clean a Birdhouse:
- Open the birdhouse (if it has a removable panel or latch).
- Wear gloves and remove old nesting material.
- Scrub the inside with a solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water (avoid harsh chemicals).
- Let the house dry completely before reattaching it to its post or tree.
Pro Tip: If your birdhouse has ventilation and drainage holes, check to make sure they’re clear so rainwater doesn’t collect inside.
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2. Inspect and Repair Birdhouses
While you’re cleaning, look for signs of damage like:
✔️ Cracks in the wood
✔️ Loose hinges or screws
✔️ Rusted nails or hooks
✔️ Missing predator guards
If needed, replace worn-out parts and ensure the entrance hole is the right size for your intended birds. (For example, a 1.5-inch entrance hole is perfect for bluebirds, while chickadees prefer a smaller 1.25-inch hole.)
3. Refresh Your Bird Feeders
Winter can be tough on bird feeders, leaving them clogged, dirty, or even broken. Take the time to:
✔️ Empty out any old or moldy seed
✔️ Scrub feeders with warm, soapy water (or a vinegar solution)
✔️ Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before refilling
✔️ Check for damage—replace cracked plastic, frayed hanging cords, or rusted metal
For a step-by-step guide on cleaning your bird feeders properly, watch this helpful video.
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4. Choose the Right Spring Birdseed
Bird diets shift in the spring as they prepare for nesting and raising young. Here’s what to offer:
🐦 Black-oil sunflower seeds – A favorite for cardinals, finches, and chickadees
🐦 Nyjer seed – Perfect for attracting goldfinches. Check out our best-selling Finch & Bunting Blend to bring both lovely yellow and brilliant blue birds to your yard.
🐦 Suet packed with peanuts – A high-energy food for woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches (Hint: In warm weather, store suet in the freezer and chop off small amounts for the birds as a special treat!)
🐦 Dried mealworms – Loved by bluebirds, wrens, and robins
For a custom blend designed specifically for the birds in your area, try a HappySeed Box! Unlike generic store-bought seed, we use real bird-sighting data to create a mix tailored to your location, feeder type, and the birds you want to attract.
5. Set Up a Fresh Water Source
Birds need water just as much as food, and a clean birdbath or shallow dish can make your yard even more inviting.
✔️ Scrub your birdbath with a vinegar solution to remove algae buildup.
✔️ Keep water fresh and shallow (1-2 inches deep is ideal).
✔️ Add small rocks to help smaller birds perch and drink easily.
✔️ Consider a moving water feature (like a bubbler or dripper) to attract even more birds, even ones that normally don't visit feeders.
6. Create a Safe and Inviting Habitat
Beyond food and water, birds need shelter and nesting materials in spring. Here’s how to help:
🌿 Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees for natural shelter and food.
🪶 Provide natural nesting materials like small twigs, dried grass, and pet fur (but skip the dryer lint—it can be harmful!). ✨PRO TIP✨ Try offering nesting materials in a clean hanging suet cage to make them easily accessible for birds.
🚫 Keep cats indoors or provide a covered feeding area to protect birds from predators.
Welcome Spring with Happy Birds!
By taking a little time to clean, repair, and refresh your birdhouses and feeders, you’ll be ready to welcome the first spring arrivals. Whether you’re hoping to see nesting bluebirds, a backyard full of finches, or a parade of hummingbirds, a well-prepped yard makes all the difference!
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