As winter fades and the days get warmer and longer across Texas, something incredible begins to happen in the skies overhead: spring migration. During this miraculous time of year, countless birds start their seasonal journey north, passing through backyards, farms, and ranchlands along the way.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or you simply enjoy nature’s majesty, spring migration is a very exciting time of the year. You can turn your backyard into an inviting stopover for hungry travelers seeking rest and nourishment along the way. How? By properly preparing your feeders. Taking the time to prep your feeders now ensures migrating birds will have access to the food they need during their travels — and give you a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular events.
The Importance of Supporting Migrating Birds
Spring migration is one of the most physically demanding times in a bird’s life. Many species travel hundreds or even thousands of miles across North America as they transition between their seasonal habitats. These arduous flights require enormous amounts of energy, and birds must stop regularly along the way to rest and refuel.
Well-stocked backyard feeding stations can serve as valuable pit stops by providing birds:
- Energy-rich seeds and grains that help replenish calories and support long-distance travel
- Reliable access to food during spring’s changing weather conditions
- Safe places to rest and refuel before continuing their journey
By preparing your feeders before spring migration commences, you can turn your backyard into a welcoming stopover for traveling birds.
Start the Season with Clean Feeders
Before filling your feeders with fresh food, make sure they’re clean and ready for visitors. After months of winter weather, leftover seed, moisture, and debris can accumulate in bird feeders, increasing the risk of mold and bacteria development, which can be hazardous to the health of visiting birds. Starting the spring season with clean feeding stations is one of the best ways to prepare for migration.
Before adding fresh seed:
- Remove any leftover food and debris
- Thoroughly wash feeders with warm, soapy water
- Scrub out any built-up or stuck debris
- Fully rinse the feeders and allow them to dry completely
Ensuring feeders are kept clean throughout the migration season helps to protect visiting birds and encourages them to return.
Choose the Right Feed
Long-distance travel is very demanding on migrating birds. As they make their journey, they burn through tremendous amounts of energy and must stop regularly to refuel. Providing a well-balanced selection of high-quality feed can replenish those energy reserves and attract a wider range of bird species to your backyard feeders.
Feed options that support migrating birds include:
- Black oil sunflower seeds: A high-fat favorite for many bird species
- Mixed seeds and grains: Provide diverse nutrition for different birds
- Cracked corn or millet: An ideal choice for ground-feeding birds
- High-energy blends: A great option for birds that need a quick energy boost during migration
At Thomas Moore Feed, we understand that nutrient-rich food is vital for strong, healthy animals. Our feed products are carefully formulated and distributed through dependable dealers across Texas.
View available wild bird seed.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Feeding Area
Migrating birds are selective about where they stop to eat. They are constantly on the lookout for potential threats, so they seek spots where they can access food quickly while staying alert to possible danger. Strategically placing your feeders will create a safe, comfortable environment for migrating birds, making your backyard a more appealing place to stop, rest, and refuel.
When positioning your feeders, consider:
- Placing them in or near trees or shrubs that offer cover, and provide spaces where birds can perch and rest
- Maintaining open sight lines that allow birds to watch for predators
- Keeping them away from high traffic or noisy areas where birds can be easily startled
- Installing them at varying heights to attract different species of birds
Providing a safe, comfortable feeding environment will encourage birds to stop, rest, and recharge, and increase the chances that they’ll return to the same feeding spot.
Provide Fresh Water to Create a Complete Feeding Station
During migration, access to clean, fresh water is just as important as access to nourishing food. Providing fresh water alongside your feeders meets both of these needs.
Birds depend on water for:
- Drinking to stay hydrated during long flights
- Bathing to keep their feathers clean for extended periods of travel
Place bird baths or shallow dishes near your feeders so birds can easily access water. Be sure to clean the containers and refresh the water often so it remains clean and safe to consume.
Maintain a Dependable Feeding Station
When it comes to supporting migrating birds, consistency is key. Once they discover a dependable food source, there’s a good chance they’ll revisit during their journey. Maintaining your feeders ensures they’ll always be able to access the nutrition they need.
To maintain a reliable feeding station:
- Refill feeders before they run out of seed
- Check feed for moisture or spoilage, especially after rain
- Occasionally clean feeders to keep them safe and sanitary
With consistent care, you can turn your backyard into a regular stop for migrating birds.
Turn Your Backyard into a Haven for Migrating Birds
With a little preparation, your backyard can become an important stop for birds as they make their way north during their spring migration. By cleaning feeders, providing a consistent supply of fresh food and water, and creating a safe environment, you can create a welcoming haven for various species of birds.
For decades, Thomas Moore Feed has been committed to producing premium-quality, nutrient-rich animal feed. We work with feed dealers across the state to provide local communities reliable nutrition for all types of animals — including migrating birds. To learn more about our products or to locate a dealer near you, contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with all of your needs.
