Nesting Know-how

Temps are still nippy but birds know that spring is here, and many are ready to begin nest building...Cardinals (March to August), Chickadees (April to July), and Robins (April to May).
Nest-building is arduous work. Let's reward our backyard birds for hanging in there with us during this beast of a winter by providing nesting materials in plain sight. Most common, cup-shaped bird nests are made primarily of woven grass and twigs, with a softer lining to keep the eggs and babies warm. Cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers also look for soft materials to line their nests.

Some of the best nesting materials to put out for birds:

• Cloth Strips: Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, jute, and burlap make perfect bird nesting materials. Cut old fabric into pieces 3” to 6” long and no more than 1” wide. Longer pieces are too much for birds to handle and can even strangle them.
• String and Ribbon: String, twine, ribbon, lace, and yarn make good nesting materials. Use natural fibers, and cut pieces no more than 3”- 6” long.
• Small Yard Debris: Pine straw, wheat straw, and tiny twigs
• Grass Clippings: One of the most common nesting materials, grass clippings can be gathered into balls or simply left mulched into your lawn.

• Animal Hair: If you brush or clip your animals, save the fur! It makes a wonderfully soft lining for bird nests. But don’t use any fur that’s been treated with chemicals, such as flea dips or insect repellents.
• Cocoa Fiber: Recycle worn-out linings of hanging baskets for bird nesting material.
• Plants and Seeds: Fluffy seeds and plants, such as cattails, make good bird nesting materials.
• Cloth Batting: Wool or cotton batting cut into 3”- 6” strips makes good nesting material.
• Feathers: Providing feathers for nesting material is a great way to recycle old down pillows!
• Moss: Sphagnum or Spanish moss make great bird nesting materials.

What NOT to offer birds:

• Dryer Lint: While dryer lint may seem like an ideal nesting material, it hardens and crumbles when it gets wet. Instead, use things more fibrous that the birds can weave together.
• Synthetic Material: Even though birds will grab things like cellophane and plastic for their nest, avoid providing synthetic materials that can harm both the birds and the environment.
• Synthetic String: Never provide fishing line or nylon twine as bird nesting material, since it can cause deadly tangles.

Ways to provide nesting materials in your yard:

On Ground:  The easiest way to provide nesting materials for birds is to scatter it on the ground or put it in piles in sheltered areas where birds gather.

In Shrubs and Trees:  You can also spread bird nesting materials on top of shrubs, in tree crevices, or in baskets.

Hanging Ornaments:  Stuff an empty wire suet cage with nesting material and hang it from a tree or fence post. You can also use natural mesh bags, or make your own hangers out of wire.