A transition: winter into spring

White-throated Sparrow endures the snow

Winter continues and most of us are tired of it. Birds are tired of winter too. Natural food has been depleted. Nearly gone are leftover berries on bushes and seed heads on flowers.

Large-capacity feeders are helpful so you don't have to trudge through the snow or damp ground too often. Sunflower and millet seed are prime food for most of the birds. High-fat suet is still an important source of calories.

February into March can be a teaser: some days warm, some days cold. Some of our biggest snowstorms have occurred in March, but for the birds, spring already is in the air. Juncos and White-throated Sparrows will still be around but will fly north in April. Before long we may begin to see grackles at the feeders and bird baths.

Black oil sunflower should still be the main ingredient of seed mixtures with 30 percent white millet included. Continue to fill Nyjer feeders for goldfinches and possible Pine Siskins. Chickadees and Juncos may eat Nyjer also.

March is the time have nesting boxes ready. Depending on the weather, birds may begin looking for a place to raise a family. Fro those who live in an open, rural area, you can attract bluebirds by placing boxes by mid-March. Wrens and chickadee houses can be hung in trees. Keep nesting goes separate from feeders—birds want privacy when raising a family.