March ushers in spring. Well, for most of us it does. Crocus begin to bloom, spring rains wash away winter crud and put that certain smell in the air. Robins and Redwing Blackbirds return to Michigan.Keeping the feeders cleaned and filled becomes more frequent as activity increases in my yard.

I feed and enjoy my birds year round and feeding in spring is just as important if not more so then winter feeding. By the time spring arrives most of nature's offerings have been eaten. Yes, seeds, fruits, nuts,dead bugs and bug eggs are pretty much gone. With habitat disappearing everyday, we play a bigger role each year in helping our feathered friends.

Migrants are coming and going now and the influx of birds keeps my Michigan yard hopping. Returning birds are hungry and weary. By offering food and fresh water you may get a strange visitor like a warbler or two.Some birds like a Rose-breasted Grosbeak may like your habitat and offerings. He'll find a mate and stay the summer with you.

Spring brings mating season. Mating season is a high energy time of year. Chasing off would be territory grabbers and courtship takes time and energy. I like to think I helped along with the romance when I see Mr. Cardinal giving Mrs. Cardinal one of my sunflower seeds. (I'm just an old softy).

Take a look at the time and energy it takes to build a nest. What about egg laying, incubating, brooding and feeding all those hungry mouths.Is there a price tag on the entertainment value birds give us? I get a big charge out of watching parents feeding fledglings. By offering food, water and habitat, I'm helping to insure the next generation of avian friends.

Sure, some of my friends come and go with the seasons while others stay year round. By offering quality food, fresh water, protection and a place to raise a family I will continue to have birds year round. For me, that is priceless.

Many birds have different likes and dislikes, but you can't go wrong with black oil sunflower seed. Oilers are by far the most wanted seed we can offer to attract the widest range of birds in your area. A bonus with oilers is this.... European Starlings can't crack them open so they will soon leave your feeders. Offer in a separate feeder some white proso millet or sprinkle some on the ground for the ground scratching birds.Peanuts in special peanut feeders will have the woodpeckers, titmouse, nuthatches, chickadees and other birds hanging around all day. Nectar feeders require more work, but are well worth the rewards.

Offer your seed in different feeders for different types of birds. Place your feeders where you can enjoy them. Offer nearby protection for quick get away. Keep fresh water on hand for drinking and bathing.I've enjoyed birds in my yard for 40 years and hope to for another 40.

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Ron Patterson is a "Wildlife Habitat Naturalist", "Michigan Certified Nurseryman" and speaker. He's been feeding and caring for birds for more then 40 years. With his expert knowledge on plants and habitats, Ron helps others to enjoy birds and garden for wildlife. Ron also writes a weekly newsletter "Backyard Birding Tips." You can sign up for Ron's newsletter at: http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/