Spring is Here
Spring is possibly the best season to be a backyard bird feeder. The days are warmer and longer so we are outside more enjoying the birds we are attracting to our backyards.
The birds are busier too as they start their nest making and search for a mate. Some species such as the Tui put on amazing aerobatic displays as they try to impress potential mates with their flying abilities.
Spring is also a hard time for the birds because they are using up extra energy doing all their work and socializing, while at the same time their bodies are trying to recover from the cold lean winter which has left many of them with very little body fat reserves.
 At this time of year food is still hard to find because the spring growth has not yet happened and many of the insects that some birds rely on are still in short supply. The birds require a good supply of high protein food if they are going to get their nests built, mate, and raise their young successfully.
If you are still feeding suet out you will be noticing that it is melting on the warmer days and you may be thinking about stopping until next winter. The birds need the extra fat that Suet gives them at this time, but it does make a mess. The answer is to feed a little more often and also keep it in the deep freeze and feed directly from there. Try to find a shady position to hang the feeder.
 Fruit is another good, high energy food for the birds at this time of year. Try orange slices, diced or whole apples and pieces of banana. Once again feeding a little often is the secret to keeping the food supply fresh. If your feeling generous the birds will find grapes irresistible. Fruit has the extra advantage of attracting small flying insects which in turn attract birds like fantails.
 Spring is a difficult time for the birds because the weather can have periods of cold wind and rain comparable to any winter weeks while at the same time having long dry periods, when the time between rainy days is the same as in mid summer. Water is important during this time because just a few days without rain can dry out all the normal puddles and water sources found in many suburbs. Putting out several shallow bowls of fresh water will really help the birds during the spring and summer months.
If you are thinking about putting out nesting boxes it is still not to late but you really need to get this done within the next few weeks.