by Greg Draiss

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

It seems hard to believe but spring will arrive.......sometime. Along with springs' return will be the usual return of flowering bulbs, spring training and green lawns. Hibernating animals will crawl from their dens checking out the accuracy of some ground hogs prediction six weeks earlier. And the swallows will return to San Capistrano. Migratory birds will also start returning to our backyards as well.

The new influx of seasonal residents at the feeding lots will put a lot of pressure on natural food supplies. While spring signals birth and renewal in nature it is also a time of scarce resources. The late winter feed supply is also affected by the prior years' weather and current snow cover. A winter with a lot of snow that follows a dry growing season is a double whammy on the supply and availability of natural food sources for both birds and mammals.

Fortunately 2008 was a good growing year with abundant rain and plentiful supplies of seed produced for birds in their natural feeding areas. Until now little snow cover made finding seed on the ground easier. The only detriment thus far has been the severe cold spell. When it gets cold we turn up the thermostat in our homes. Birds thermostats run on overtime requiring more energy to keep themselves warm. Birds get their energy from food mainly seeds and suet. Colder temperatures force birds to consume more feed in order to produce enough energy to stay warm. Add to this cold some snow cover and returning migratory birds and all of a sudden birds are facing their own energy crisis. Seed stocks are normally low in late winter since the "harvest" was last year.

It is vitally important to keep bird feeders full this time of year and to even consider putting up additional feeders to handle the increased demand at home feeding stations. I recommend offering additional seed for birds through the end of May. Not only do the migratory birds return but everyone is having babies as well who need to be fed.

There is a misconception on whether or not to feed birds in the summer. There is absolutely no harm in feeding birds in the summer months. Birds will still get the majority of their feed from natural sources. Birds do not become dependant on your feeding stations. This can be demonstrated by simply taking down feeders for a while and then putting them back up. The birds will find seed elsewhere and readily return when your feeders are back out.

Backyard bird feeding is second only to gardening as a number one outdoor activity. Birds add color, sound and movement to our home environment. Bird feeding is an inexpensive hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages no matter where you live. At this time of year birds will benefit from a little extra seed when natural stockpiles are low and we benefit by the bright colors they bring to an otherwise dull gray late winter landscape.

Feeding birds will also not interrupt their migration habits. Birds have internal clocks that determine when they fly the coop for the south. So enjoy the wonderful hobby of birdfeeding and help not only your enjoyment but give the birds some fun too.

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