Spring

Food & Seed

• Refill black oil sunflower seed every 2–3 daysSongbirds returning from migration hit feeders hard. High traffic means faster depletion — check daily and refill before feeders empty completely.
• Add fresh Nyjer/thistle for goldfinchesAmerican Goldfinches turn bright yellow in April–May and flock to thistle feeders. Stock up before the surge; stale seed from last year will be ignored.
• Keep suet available through mid-MaySuet stays valuable while insects are still scarce in early spring. Remove it by late May — warm temperatures cause regular suet to go rancid quickly.
• Hang a hummingbird feeder by late April (East) or early March (West)Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in the East from late April; western species arrive earlier. Use a 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio and no red dye.
• Put out halved oranges and grape jelly in MayBaltimore Orioles arrive in May and are immediately drawn to fruit feeders. A platform feeder with orange halves and a small dish of jelly is the fastest way to attract them.
• Avoid bread, crackers, and kitchen scrapsBreeding birds need high-nutrition food — bread fills them up without providing the protein, fat, or vitamins they need. Stick to seed, suet, and fruit.

Feeders & Cleaning

• Deep-clean all feeders with a 9:1 bleach-water solutionSpring is the highest-risk season for feeder-spread disease. Scrub thoroughly with a brush, rinse several times, and let dry completely before refilling.
• Inspect every feeder for cracks and damageWinter cold can split plastic and crack ceramic. A cracked feeder traps moisture, grows mold inside, and can't be fully cleaned — replace any that fail inspection.
• Add a second feeder if traffic is crowdedSpring migration brings extra visitors and competition. A second tube or hopper feeder spaced at least 10 feet from the first reduces stress and lets more birds feed at once.
• Hang the hummingbird feeder in a shaded spotDirect sun spoils nectar in 1–2 days in warm weather. Morning shade extends freshness to 4–5 days and reduces how often you need to clean and refill.
• Set a biweekly cleaning reminder going forwardAs temperatures warm, bacteria and mold grow faster. Every two weeks is the minimum; weekly is better once mid-May arrives.

Water

• Change birdbath water every 2 daysStagnant water breeds mosquito larvae in as little as three days. Fresh water also signals safety to birds, drawing them in more reliably than a full feeder.
• Add a dripper or water wigglerMoving water is far more visible and attractive to spring migrants than still water. Even a simple battery-powered wiggler can double or triple bath usage during migration.
• Scrub the bath weekly with a stiff brushAlgae and bird droppings accumulate quickly in spring. Use a dedicated scrub brush — no soap — and rinse well before refilling.
• Position the bath in morning shadeSpring sun warms water and encourages algae growth. Morning shade keeps water cooler and cleaner throughout the day without making the bath invisible to passing birds.

Birds to Watch

Spring brings the biggest influx of the year. Resident birds begin establishing territories and nesting while migrants move through daily — sometimes unfamiliar species appear for just a day or two before continuing north. Watch for birds you don't normally see.

• Watch for American Robin returning to the lawnReturns to yards in March, foraging for earthworms in thawed soil. Robins rarely visit seed feeders but are drawn to birdbaths and fruit. One of the earliest reliable signs that spring has arrived.
• Watch for American Goldfinch turning yellowMales shift from drab olive to bright yellow in April–May. Thistle feeders see a surge in activity and group size during this window.
• Watch for the first Ruby-throated HummingbirdArrives in the East from late April. The day you spot your first one is the day to hang the nectar feeder — hummingbirds scout before settling in and will remember a reliable feeder location.