5 tips for supporting nesting birds.

Spring is the start of the breeding season for most common gardens. They pair up with mates, build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young. Below are 5 things you can do to help if you find residents in your garden nest.  

  1. Hold off on trimming hedges and shrubs - Many birds species use small hedges and shrubs for nesting. If you see a bird building a nest, you’ve got the perfect excuse to skip this garden chore. 
  2. Put out pieces of dry material like grass stems, twigs, and soft leaves - For birds that build woven nests, like robins, even a few grass blades can be useful. Keep pieces short so they don’t get tangled and can be easily pulled through the hole in a nest box. 
  3. If you have a pet, offer clumps of fur - Most bird nests contain some form of animal hair. It’s soft, insulating, and easy to collect. When you groom your pet, save the fur and spread it around your garden for the birds. Again, keep it short to avoid tangling.  
  4. Feed the birds - Energy rich foods such as mealworms and peanuts will attract birds to your feeders and help them stay nourished during nesting season.  
  5. Provide clean, fresh water for bathing and drinking - Your birdbath might be the first place a parent bird takes its young. Make sure the water is shallow enough and regularly refreshed; birds prefer shallow water for safety and ease.