Feeding and Caring for Momma Birds is a must... Her natural instinct is already in place, but we can help her too.

 Mother birds nurturing their newborn chicks offer some of the most touching scenes in nature. These moments have been beautifully captured in various photographs and articles that showcase the depth of maternal care in the avian world.

They will be busy trying to find food types to feed themselves and their chicks. Here are some varieties of foods that wild birds enjoy, depending on the species. Here are some common favorites:

Seeds & Grains

• Black-oil sunflower seeds (loved by many birds like cardinals, finches, chickadees)
• Nyjer (thistle) seeds (great for finches)
• Millet (favored by sparrows and doves)
• Cracked corn (attracts jays, doves, and quails)

Fruits & Berries

• Apples (chopped or sliced)
• Oranges (orioles, mockingbirds, and tanagers love them)
• Grapes & raisins
• Berries (elderberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Insects & Protein Sources

• Mealworms (bluebirds, wrens, and robins love them)
• Suet (woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees)
• Peanuts (unsalted, shelled or whole) (jays, woodpeckers, and titmice)

Nectar

• Sugar water (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) (hummingbirds and orioles)

Kitchen Scraps (Occasionally)

• Cooked rice or pasta (without salt or sauce)
• Unsalted, unbuttered popcorn
• Cheese (small bits, no moldy cheese)

Water ... a birdbath is always a winner to have near by so she can drink and bathe!

Avoid feeding birds bread, salty foods, or anything processed.

We love watching birds and we have lots of bird related items for you to look at and decide how you want to attract birds and help momma birds during this spring time season of raising her chicks. Our website will give you some great ideas.

https://www.inthegardenandmore.com/collections/bird-feeders

https://www.inthegardenandmore.com/collections/bird-houses

https://www.inthegardenandmore.com/collections/birdbaths

Hummingbird migration actually begins in August and September and many of us are starting to think about fall and no need to think about hummingbirds now. But, we would like to encourage you… don’t take down those feeders just yet! And, if you don’t have yours up right now, think about putting one up… they need our help. As hummingbirds begin their migration they are looking for nectar and you just might be the house they visit.

This is what we know… they are fueled by the nectar, hummingbirds double their weight as they prepare to fly hundreds or even thousands of miles. Males leave first, as early as mid-July. Females follow, and then the young who migrate for the first time all alone.

So all that to say … it’s not too late to view hummingbirds and let’s enjoy them while we still can.