Keep An Eye Out for New Visitors

Spring is beginning, but that isn’t the only thing new around here. Look for millions of out-of-town visitors from February through May!

Spring migration begins as early as February with Purple Martins and other swallows returning to the Houston Area. Mid-March through mid-May is the peak of our migration season. 

While most of the migrants are insectivores and will not come to feeders, you can still attract many of them with moving water. Have a shallow birdbath with a dripper or Water Wiggler in it to make ripples on the surface of the water. As the birds search the trees for insects, they take advantage of the convenient water source.

A few migrants will use feeders. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Painted Buntings, Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles will come to food you put out for them.

Be a seasonally savvy bird feeder by offering the right food (in the right place) and a source of clean water, to better your chances of attracting some of these birds.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their northboud migration as early as late-February. From mid-March through mid-May, they are abundant in the area. However, don't expect a lot of activity at your feeders. They migrate 20 to 50 miles a day, so they may visit your feeder once or twice and then move on. The nectar solution is four parts water to one part white table sugar. No red dye is necessary. Change it every three days to keep the nectar fresh.

Buntings

Indigo Buntings and Painted Buntings show up in late-April through mid-May. They will use ground feeders with white millet. 

Grosbeaks

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Blue Grosbeaks come through in mid-April through May. They love oil sunflower, sunflower chips and peanuts. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are fairly common at feeders in the spring.

Orioles

Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles show up as early as late-March through early-May. They can be attracted with citrus fruit halves, especially oranges.

As you can see, our feathered guests’ tastes and preferences vary, so it’s important to be prepared. Because, before you know it, these out-of-towners will be just that - headed out of town.

Visit us this month, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to keep your resident birds happy and to help attract these spring guests.