March and April are months known in the birder’s world as Spring Migration. Those birds whose presence we have enjoyed for many months pack up and head north. In their stead, and whose arrival we eagerly await, are the harbingers of Spring. For many of us, anticipation is fraught with concern. For it is at this time no birds visit our feeders which we have religiously attended. To be sure, we washed and disinfected our feeders, and filled them with a plenty of seed and nectar. Then…then nothing. Where are the birds? Why aren’t the birds coming to the newly bought feeder? Is there something wrong with it?

I have to remind many of my friends that this is a time of change. New flowers bloom. New insects emerge from their dormant winter stage. There is a bounty of scrumptious food that nature supplies, and the birds take full advantage. No one should be surprised that preference is given to nature’s bounty over a feeder, at this juncture.

The birds will return to our feeders. Hold fast to this reality. Who is to say what will cause the return or when it will happen? For instance, today of all days, Black-chin and Ruby-throated hummingbirds visited the feeder this morning. This happened after nearly a month of my diligence in keeping fresh nectar in the feeder to no avail. And to make this all the more remarkable is the fact that, in the first week in April, it is snowing in Central Texas. Crazy world in which we live, I’ll grant you. What this snow might do to all our new flowers and insects, grubs and worms is yet to be seen. No doubt, those feeders needed to be filled and our attention proved necessary. Today, House Finches, Cardinals, doves, titmice and chickadees have visited, too, and I am glad I had sunflowers and peanuts for them.

After the weather returns to normal around here (the concept of normal weather in Texas is hotly debated sometimes), the birds may once again turn to nature for their meals. There may again be bouts where nothing seems to be visiting the feeders. However, I’ll stay vigilant and ready because I have enjoyed in the past many birds at my feeders, and I know I will again.

Spring Migration continues to bring new species into our area every day. Keep a lookout. The “changing of the guard” is a gradual one, lasting several weeks. Migration gives way to nesting season. We will enjoy a good many birds at our feeders, parent and young alike. Spring will be/is dandy.

Roy Smallwood is the owner of http://www.Kingbirdfeeders.com Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com for, feeders, and binoculars and happy birding!