Seasonal Bird Feeding Guide: Top Spring Tips by Haith's.

The Challenges Birds Face in Spring

  • Great Tit sat on a branch

    Spring may seem like a time of plenty, but it presents several difficulties for wild birds. The breeding season demands increased energy, yet food sources are not always immediately available. Many natural food supplies, such as insects and seeds, remain scarce in early spring, and unpredictable weather conditions can add further stress. Cold snaps, late frosts, and heavy rains can reduce insect populations and make it harder for birds to find food. Additionally, competition for food increases as returning migratory birds join the local populations.

  • wren nestling sat in a branch

    Another challenge is nest-building and raising chicks. Producing and incubating eggs, feeding hatchlings, and protecting nests from predators require vast amounts of energy. Parent birds must work tirelessly to provide for their young while maintaining their own strength. A reliable food source close to their nesting site can help reduce the risks of exhaustion and malnutrition.

The Importance of High-Energy Bird Foods

Providing birds with high-energy foods in spring supports their nutritional needs and enhances their chances of successfully raising young. Here are some of the best foods to offer:

Sunflower Hearts (Premium Quality) - Haith's

Sunflower Hearts

Packed with essential fats and proteins, sunflower seeds provide a quick and nutritious energy boost. Sunflower hearts, which lack the hard outer shell, are particularly beneficial as they require less effort to eat.

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Live Mini Mealworms suitable for robins, wrens & fledglings

Mealworms

These are an excellent source of protein, ideal for feeding growing chicks. Live mealworms are preferred, but dried mealworms soaked in water can also be a valuable supplement.

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Hi - Energy Suet Log - Haith's

Suet and Fat Balls

While often associated with winter feeding, suet is beneficial in spring as well. The high-fat content provides long-lasting energy, helping birds to sustain their increased activity levels.

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Fledge Mix showing ingredients and coloured seeds

Fledge Mix

Fledge makes life easier for fledglings and busy parents. Give nature the nutritional edge to a successful fledge. Promotes enriched and natural foraging behaviour. Fledge is an innovation in natural diets offering optimal foraging of energy and nutrients for busy parents and fledglings during the spring and summer breeding season.

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Peanut Granules - Haith's

Peanut Granules

Packed with proteins and oils a no-mess, no-waste banquet for a variety of wild birds - including Robins, Dunnocks and Blackbirds.

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spring summer seed

Spring-Summer Seed Mix

Summer Seed is our popular seasonal special – it contains high-quality, high-protein ingredients including Sunflower Hearts, Dried Mealworms, Millet, Maize, Black Rapeseed and Fine Oystershell Grit. This new recipe is full of high-energy seeds for busy parent birds and fledglings to explore, making it a true easy beak seed mixture.

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Support Your Garden Birds This Spring with Soft Foods

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Beyond food, there are several other ways to support birds during this crucial season:

Provide Fresh Water

Water is essential for both drinking and bathing. Clean, shallow dishes of fresh water or birdbaths can help birds stay hydrated and keep their feathers in top condition. Regular cleaning prevents the spread of disease.

Offer Safe Nesting Sites

Natural nesting sites are often lost due to habitat destruction. Nest boxes provide safe havens for cavity-nesting birds such as blue tits and robins. Position boxes in sheltered locations, away from predators, and ensure they are cleaned annually.

Reduce Garden Disturbance

If you have nesting birds in your garden, try to minimise disturbances. Avoid excessive pruning and keep cats indoors during peak nesting periods. Disturbances can cause parent birds to abandon their nests, putting chicks at risk.

Avoid Bread and Harmful Foods

While it may seem harmless, bread offers little nutritional value to birds and can lead to malnutrition. Processed foods, salty snacks, and milk should also be avoided.

Feed Consistently

Birds quickly learn where reliable food sources are. Keeping feeders stocked throughout spring can help birds avoid energy deficits, particularly during cold or wet spells.

Garden for Wildlife

Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers can provide a natural habitat for insects, which are an essential food source for birds. Berry-producing plants and hedgerows also offer shelter and nesting sites.

The Joy of Spring Bird Feeding

Feeding birds in spring is not just about conservation - it’s also a deeply fulfilling experience. Watching parent birds bring their chicks to feeders, listening to the vibrant dawn chorus, and
witnessing the lively interactions of different species can bring a sense of connection to nature.

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