Nesting: Bringing Bird Families Home
Think Spring!
What a great time of year! Longer days and warmer temperatures help to rapidly reawaken the natural world around us during this true season of renewal. Our fields and forests celebrate with splashes of amazing colors…from freshly blooming wildflowers to the return of migrant songbirds decked out in their finest breeding plumage.
Yes, nesting season is just around the corner. A new generation of birds will soon be entering the world.
Many of them will call your yard home. You might even say that their families will become part of your family. And you can make a significant difference in how well these extended families will thrive and survive in your own backyard.
Consider providing a little “prenatal” boost for your birds. The need for protein and calcium increases substantially for birds as they prepare for nesting and during periods of egg-laying. Obtaining a sufficient amount of these nutrients determines the number of eggs a bird is able to produce and impacts the health of young birds. Wild Birds Unlimited’s Nesting SuperBlend™ is a great bird food to help you provide the essential protein and calcium needed by nesting families.
For birds that use nesting boxes (think bluebirds, wrens, titmice, etc.), it is important that they are made from high-quality materials that will help insulate the youngsters from extreme cold or heat. Proper drainage and ventilation are a must, and the box has to be easy to clean in preparation for the next tenant. Nesting boxes should also be specifically designed for the type of bird that is likely to make your yard its home, and they should be placed in a location that is safe and enticing.
WBU has a complete line a high quality nest boxes to help get you started, including our environmentally-friendly EcoTough boxes that are made from recycled milk jugs. Using recycled materials is just one of the ways that WBU supports the 7 Simple Actions that scientists say we can all do to help birds.
And for a fun and entertaining look into the world of our nesting neighbors, be sure to check out the WBU Nature Centered Podcast episode, “Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View.” Hosts John and Brian will share the expert advice that will help you attract, foster, and enjoy more bird families around your own home.
June birds to watch in Central Illinois
Nesting season is in full swing, and your backyard just became a bird daycare. In June, the action shifts from spotting new arrivals to watching baby birds fledge, squawk, and stumble their way into the world. It’s a great time to slow down, watch the drama unfold, and lend a helping hand.
Chickadees and wrens are raising noisy little families right in our yards. You’ll hear the insistent chirping of nestlings demanding snacks from frazzled parents. If you have a birdhouse up, take a peek (from a respectful distance) you may be hosting a brood.
Bluebirds, our poster birds for successful backyard nesting, are on round one or two! Mealworms are still your best bet to keep these gentle bug-hunters happy.
Robins are everywhere right now, raising one family while eyeing the next nesting spot. Look for wobbly, spotted fledglings bouncing around your lawn. Resist the urge to “rescue” unless they’re in immediate danger—this is part of the process.
Woodpeckers, like the red-bellied and downy, are bringing their young to feeders. You’ll know it’s a family affair when a young one begs with fluttering wings, waiting to be fed even when the food is right there. Classic kid move.
Cardinals and finches are more visible now, too. Those duller-colored “mystery birds” might just be fledglings following their bright-red parents around the yard.
Still hoping for a few stragglers? You might catch late warblers or flycatchers heading north, but the migration parade is slowing to a trickle.
What to feed? Keep offering live or dried mealworms, insect-rich suets, and nectar. Fresh water is crucial in the summer heat, for drinking and bathing. And if you haven’t already, consider adding a birdbath or mister to help your feathered neighbors stay cool.
Need help choosing summer food and feeders? We’ve got everything your neighborhood birds need to raise the next generation. Stop by and let us help you make your yard a 5-star bird B&B this June.
Live Raptor Series
The Illinois Raptor Center of Decatur will present every other month starting February 22. Our February program kicks off at 9 a.m. and features a live Red-Tailed Hawk. Seating is limited, so please call or visit the store to reserve your spot. If you’re unable to attend after reserving, we kindly ask that you let us know so others can take advantage of the opportunity.
Dates and raptors for the year are:
April 26 Barn Owl
June 28 Ferruginous Hawk
August 30 Great Horned owl
October 25 Snowy Owl
Red Tailed Hawk
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