Getting Ready For Nesting

The early morning’s chorus is growing louder now as the birds repeatedly sing their beautiful songs to attract a mate and defend their territory. It is a sure sign that many of our resident birds are very busy with nesting preparations.

Encourage birds to your yard with a great home and the proper foods to help them thrive.  In the market for a new home, here are a few things to consider. 

A new generation of birds will soon be entering the world and the food we provide can make a significant difference on how well they will thrive and survive in our own backyards.

By providing bird food, you can help breeding females spend less time searching for food and more time selecting better nesting sites and constructing higher quality nests. Both adults will also have more time available for protecting their nest, eggs and young from predators.

Research studies have also shown that birds with access to bird feeders will often lay their eggs earlier than those without feeders. This is significant because earlier broods typically have better rates of survival and fledging success than later ones.

Not only is the availability of ample food important, the nutritional content of that food is crucial.

Birds routinely time their nesting activity to coincide with the availability of high-protein foods. The need for protein substantially increases for birds during periods of egg-laying. Obtaining a sufficient amount of protein determines the number of eggs a bird is able to produce and significantly impacts the growth rate and health of young birds. High protein is also crucial for feather development and molting.

Calcium is the most challenging mineral for birds because when they need it, they need large quantities and they need it right away. This is mainly during nesting time for egg laying as well as chick development. The amount of calcium in their natural diet of seeds and insects is often inadequate and they must seek calcium-rich foods as a supplement. Ask us about the many bird foods we offer which include calcium to help your nesting birds

Our source of calcium is from oyster grit or limestone dust. Both are finely ground and easily consumed by small songbirds.

Without sufficient calcium levels birds don’t reproduce well. If adult birds does not obtain enough calcium they may not lay as many eggs as normal. In egg-laying females, calcium is used for shell formation. In chicks it is used for bone formation.

Wild Birds Unlimited’ s new Nesting SuperBlend™ is a great bird food to help you provide the essential protein & calcium needed by nesting families. This high protein seed blend is packed full of sunflower chips, peanuts, mealworms, bark butter bits, nutrasaff, tree nuts and calcium. This blend is perfect for birds getting ready to nest, while they nest and for the young when they leave the nest.

 Nesting SuperBlend and Bark Butter Bits are excellent sources of calcium and nutrition for your birds 

Mason Bee Cocoons are in store Now.

Pick up your cocoons today before they fly away. It's a little to early yet to put them outside. Store in your fridge crisper until the weather outside is 15 degrees for 3 consecutive days.

Mason Bees pollinate 75% more than honey bees and their solitary life means they are fun to watch and won't sting. Make the most of your garden this year.

For more on Mason bees Click Here

Now is a great time to clean your feeders.  Keeping feeders clean and free from bacteria ensures happy healthy birds. 

Remove all seed, scrub out your feeders with a 10% bleach solution (white vinegar works too).Rinse well.   Dry thoroughly before refilling with Wild Birds Unlimited seed.