Get Ready for a Fun-filled Season in Your Backyard

You made it through winter and as a reward, the next few months will bring some of nature’s most spectacular gifts.

Spring migration brings a show with an ever-changing cast of characters passing through your yard, including hummingbirds, orioles, and warblers. Next comes nesting season, a time to watch for bird parents bringing their noisy fledglings to your feeders. And it's fun to watch the adults, busy in your backyard habitat, as they glean pollinating insects to feed their ever-impatient youngsters.

Early Spring Birds in Central Illinois: Who to Watch for in March

Spring is here, and with it comes the return of some of our favorite backyard birds! March marks the beginning of spring migration and nesting season, making it the perfect time to prepare your backyard for new arrivals. Here’s a list of birds you can expect to see first in Central Illinois this month, along with tips on how to attract them.

Birds Arriving in March

• American Robin
  One of the first signs of spring, robins return in March, foraging for worms and berries.Attract with: Fruit, mealworms, and a birdbath (they love shallow water).
• Red-winged Blackbird
  Males arrive early to claim territory in wetlands and open fields.Attract with: Mixed seed blends, cracked corn, and suet.
• Eastern Bluebird
  These vibrant birds begin scouting for nesting sites this month.Attract with: Mealworms, bluebird houses, and open spaces.
• Killdeer
  A shorebird often seen running across open fields and gravel areas.Attract with: Open ground with minimal vegetation; they don’t use feeders but are fun to watch.
• Song Sparrow
  Their sweet song starts to fill the air in early spring.Attract with: Millet, sunflower hearts, and brush piles for shelter.
• Northern Flicker
  A unique woodpecker that often feeds on the ground, hunting for ants.Attract with: Suet feeders, dead tree stumps (for nesting), and mealworms.
• Common Grackle
  These iridescent blackbirds arrive in large flocks in March.Attract with: Sunflower seeds, corn, and suet.
• Mourning Dove
  Present year-round but more active in spring. Their soft cooing is a classic springtime sound.Attract with: Platform feeders with millet, cracked corn, and safflower.
• Horned Lark
  These small birds are often seen along rural roadsides in late winter and early spring.Attract with: Open fields; they don’t use feeders but can be spotted easily in rural areas.
• Purple Finch
  Often mistaken for house finches, these birds start showing up in March.Attract with: Black oil sunflower seeds and thistle (Nyjer) feeders.

Tips for Early Spring Birdwatching

Clean and fill feeders now – Birds returning from migration need energy to refuel.

Put up nest boxes – Bluebirds, chickadees, and tree swallows will be looking for homes soon.

Provide water sources – Melted snow and early rains aren’t always reliable; fresh water attracts birds.

Offer high-protein foods – Suet, mealworms, and sunflower seeds help birds regain strength.

Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for backyard birdwatchers. Make sure your feeders, birdbaths, and nest boxes are ready to welcome these early arrivals! 

Stop by our store for more expert advice, feeders, nesting boxes, and quality foods that are worth the weight to help your birds thrive this spring.

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:

February 22 Red Tailed Hawk

April 26 Barn Owl

June 28 Ferruginous Hawk

August 30 Great Horned owl

October 25 Snowy Owl

 

  Red Tailed Hawk

 

The Perfect Gift for Every Nature Lover

Every nature lover is different, so finding the ideal gift for them can be difficult. That's why our gift cards are the perfect gift for every occasion. They allow your friend or loved one to choose what part of nature he or she wants to enjoy. The best part: our gift cards are redeemable at every Wild Birds Unlimited location.