Spring Bird Care: How to Offer Nesting Supplies

As spring approaches, birds will soon begin the busy season of building nests to raise their young, and you can help by providing nesting supplies. For bird enthusiasts, this is the perfect time to lend a helping hand. By providing birds with safe and accessible nesting materials, you can support your feathered friends while enjoying the satisfaction of seeing them thrive in your backyard. Here are some practical ways to help birds gather supplies, the types of materials they use, and creative ideas for making these items available.

What Do Birds Use for Nests?

Different bird species use a variety of materials to build their nests, often depending on their size, habitat, and nesting preferences. Here are some common materials birds seek out:

1. Twigs and Sticks: Essential for structure and support, these are staples for many birds like robins and jays.
2. Grass and Leaves: Dried grass clippings and leaves add cushioning and insulation.
3. Animal Hair: Dog and cat fur are soft and warm, making them ideal for lining nests.
4. Feathers: Birds often incorporate feathers for added warmth and comfort.
5. Mud: Species like robins and swallows use mud to cement their nests together.
6. Plant Fibers: Strips of bark, moss, and coconut coir provide natural flexibility.
7. Man-Made Materials: Small scraps of string, natural yarn, or shredded paper can be helpful as long as they’re safe.

Materials to Avoid: Avoid offering synthetic fibers, long strings, tinsel, or anything that could entangle birds or pose a choking hazard. Toxic or treated materials, like hair from pets recently treated with flea medications, should also be avoided.

How to Make Nesting Supplies Available

Helping birds access these materials is simple and can be a fun project for the whole family. Here are several ways to set up a bird-friendly supply station:

1. Mesh Bags or Suet Feeders

• Fill an empty suet feeder or a mesh onion bag with pet fur, shredded paper, or small natural fibers.
• Hang it from a tree branch in an area where birds can easily find it.

2. Open Baskets or Bowls

• Use shallow baskets or bowls to hold small twigs, leaves, and grass clippings.
• Place them in a sheltered spot, such as near shrubs or under a tree, to protect the materials from rain and wind.

3. DIY Mud Pits

• For birds like robins that need mud, create a small muddy area by keeping a patch of soil moist. Add water regularly to ensure it stays damp.

4. Native Plants

• Grow native grasses, shrubs, and trees that naturally provide nesting materials like bark, twigs, and leaves.
• Include plants that attract insects, as these will also help birds feed their young.

5. Repurposed Items

• Use an old wire whisk as a holder for nesting materials. Stuff it with yarn or natural fibers and hang it outdoors.
• Place coconut shells filled with nesting supplies in trees or near perching spots.

Collecting and Preparing Nesting Materials

Here are some tips for gathering and preparing bird-friendly supplies:

1. Pet Fur: Brush your dog or cat and save the fur in a container. Avoid fur from pets treated with chemicals or flea medications.
2. Twigs and Grass: Collect small, dry twigs and grass clippings during garden cleanups. Avoid wet or moldy materials.
3. Feathers: Save feathers from molting chickens, ducks, or other birds you may keep. Alternatively, purchase natural feathers from ethical sources.
4. Shredded Paper: Offer plain, uncoated, and dye-free paper cut into short strips (2-3 inches).
5. Yarn or String: Cut natural yarn or string into short pieces (4-6 inches) to prevent entanglement.

By preparing these materials ahead of time, you’ll have an ample supply ready when nesting season begins.

Making Your Yard Bird-Friendly

In addition to providing nesting materials, you can create a welcoming environment that encourages birds to visit and stay:

1. Offer Fresh Water

• Keep birdbaths clean and filled with fresh water. Place them near your nesting supply station so birds can access water and materials in one spot.

2. Add Safe Perching Spots

• Ensure there are shrubs, trees, or even brush piles where birds can perch while gathering materials.

3. Avoid Chemicals

• Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides in your yard, as these can harm birds and their chicks.

4. Provide Food

• Install bird feeders to supply seeds, suet, or mealworms. A reliable food source will attract more birds to your yard.

Observe and Enjoy

Helping birds gather nesting materials is not only beneficial for them but also a delight for birdwatchers. Here are some tips to make the most of this experience:

• Watch Quietly: Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Use binoculars or a camera to capture their activity.
• Involve Kids: Encourage children to participate in creating nesting supply stations and observing bird behavior. It’s a great way to teach them about nature and wildlife.
• Keep Notes: Start a bird journal to document which materials are most popular and which species visit your yard.

Support Bird Conservation

By providing nesting materials, you’re contributing to the health and success of local bird populations. To further support bird conservation:

• Plant a variety of native plants to ensure a year-round supply of natural nesting materials.
• Join or support local bird conservation groups.
• Educate others about creating bird-friendly environments in their own backyards.

Conclusion

Helping birds gather nesting supplies is a simple, rewarding way to connect with nature and support your local bird population. By offering safe materials and creating a welcoming yard, you can play a vital role in their nesting success. So why not start today? Gather some twigs, set up a supply station, and enjoy the beauty of birds preparing for spring.

We’d love to hear about your backyard bird experiences! Share your photos and stories in the comments or check out our other posts for more bird-friendly gardening tips.

Interested in More Garden Tips?

If you’re thinking about tackling ornamental grasses this season, don’t miss our post When and How to Trim Ornamental Grass. It covers everything from timing your trim to maintaining healthy plants that thrive year after year. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll find practical advice for keeping your grasses looking their best. Check it out and get your garden in top shape!