Backyard bird feeding stations help reduce stress, competition, and scarcity—especially during nesting season when birds need the most help.

1)

Feeding high-energy seed such as Dakota Mix, #1 Select Hearts, Kracker Jax and Songbird Delight provides much needed nutrition necessary for nesting success. Additionally, offering suet nuggets, suet cakes, suet plugs, Peanut Pick-outs, fruit, and mealworms will greatly benefit nestlings.

2)

Clean, repair and replace any nesting structures (boxes or houses) in your backyard. Nesting structures attract Eastern Bluebirds, House Wrens and Black-capped Chickadees. Each species has specific requirements including house size, entry hole diameter, and placement. Avoid perches as they may aid predators. See our nesting notes document for specific instructions and tips.

3)

Additionally, placing nesting material including Bird Tweats and Best Nest Builder around your property will greatly improve nesting success.

4)

Finally, avoid using lawn and yard pesticides as nestlings rely heavily on insects including spiders, caterpillars, worms, and flying insects for much needed protein.

By Eagan Store Manager ANN MCCARTHY