Spring is a great time to welcome birds with a little backyard haven
One of the problems is that if your holes are bigger than an inch and a quarter, then the house sparrows can get in. These are non-native invasive species and detrimental to our native songbirds. They take over the nest and will even destroy eggs and newborns. The migratory bird act protects most of our birds, but you can get rid of house sparrow eggs if they end up in your nesting box. This is also the case with European starlings and rock pigeons.
Instead of birdhouses, you can try a wide selection of bird feeders available out there.
Dave Epstein
Roosting pockets are a good alternative to regular birdhouses or bird feeders.
Dave Epstein
Leaving out some strands of dried grass or small twigs can also be helpful to our feathered friends to help them build some of their nests. Others use things like mud, so having a wet area can be helpful. I have a small fountain of running water that the birds seem to enjoy drinking from, especially when it starts to get hot and dry later in the year.
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Finally, if you're wondering about the hummingbirds, they are back. The females arrive first and they will be followed by the males. You don't need to go fancy with the hummingbird feeders either, and certainly don't buy that stuff with the red coloring.
Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, with many constructed as deterrents to curious and eager squirrels.
Dave Epstein
A simple mixture of a quarter cup of white sugar per cup of water is the ideal nectar for these wonderful little birds. I have a couple of feeders scattered around the house and it is exciting to watch them. They tend to be particularly active in the morning and late afternoon and evening, but you can see them almost anytime. You may even hear that whizzing sound before you see them.
This time of the year can be overwhelming for gardeners and birders alike, but try to find some time to create a new habitat for our feathered friends. It will provide months of entertainment ahead.
Have a birding or gardening question for Dave? Send them to the Globe HQ Weather team at weather@globe.com, and we will include them in an upcoming column from Dave.
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