Birds in Spring: A Season of Survival and Why They Need Your Help

Photo by Leila Boujnane on Unsplash

Spring is a time of renewal. As the days grow longer, birds in spring return in a breathtaking migration that spans continents. Billions of birds—Baltimore orioles, barn swallows, sandhill cranes, and countless others—travel thousands of miles to reach their breeding grounds.

But for far too many, this journey will be their last.

Every year, 2.4 billion birds are killed by outdoor cats in the U.S. alone—a staggering toll on bird populations already struggling due to habitat loss, climate change, and urban expansion. The tragedy? Many of these deaths are preventable.

That’s where Birdsbesafe collar covers come in. These brightly colored covers reduce bird predation by up to 87%, making them one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect birds this spring.

With the most vulnerable season for birds underway, your actions matter more than ever.

• The Journey Back: Challenges Birds Face in Spring Migration
• A Proven Solution: How Birdsbesafe Collar Covers Save Lives
• The First Signs of Spring: A Time of Renewal and Return
• Why Birds are Essential to Ecosystems
• How You Can Help Birds Thrive During Breeding Season
• Bonus: Common Bird-Related Questions Answered
• Act Now: Protect the Birds of Spring for the Future

The Journey Back: Challenges Birds Face in Spring Migration

From late January through mid to early March, millions of birds take flight, covering thousands of miles to return to their breeding grounds. But migration season is perilous:

• Unpredictable weather can deplete energy reserves.
• Food shortages leave birds malnourished.
• Expanding urban areas replace critical stopover sites.

Even after reaching their destinations, birds must navigate new threats:

• Habitat Loss: Expanding cities and agriculture leave fewer safe nesting spots.
• Glass Collisions: Up to 1 billion birds die annually from crashing into windows.
• Cat Predation: Cats kill more birds than habitat loss, cars, or pollution combined.

This last threat is one we can directly prevent.

A Proven Solution: How Birdsbesafe Collar Covers Save Lives

Cats are stealthy hunters, using their natural camouflage to ambush birds. Birdsbesafe collar covers work by breaking that stealth—their bright colors and patterns alert birds, giving them the crucial seconds they need to escape.

Science backs this up:

• A St. Lawrence University study found that Birdsbesafe collar covers reduced bird kills by 87%.
• An Australian study confirmed similar success in reducing bird predation.
• Bird conservation groups recommend Birdsbesafe as a humane, effective way to protect birds while still allowing cats safe outdoor access.

A simple change can save countless lives this spring.

The First Signs of Spring: A Time of Renewal and Return

A red-winged blackbird proudly signals the arrival of spring with its vibrant plumage and bold song.
Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash

As winter fades, the natural world awakens. For bird lovers, early to mid-March marks the arrival of the first migratory birds, signaling the start of a new season.

One of the earliest signs of spring is the return of red-winged blackbirds. Their distinctive calls echo across marshes and fields, signaling the arrival of returning birds. These birds are harbingers of spring, arriving before many other species.

As temperatures rise, other birds follow:

• Eastern bluebirds seek nesting sites in early spring, often using birdhouses or tree cavities. They are cavity nesters and depend on suitable locations to raise their young.
• Baltimore orioles return in late April to early May and build hanging pouch-like nests high in deciduous trees. These nests are typically made from plant fibers, grass, and other materials.
• Warblers and tanagers bring flashes of bright color to woodlands.
• American robins use mud and grass to build cup-shaped nests, often on ledges, tree branches, or buildings. One of the first songbirds to return in early spring.

While this season is a time of new life and opportunity, it is also a critical period of survival. Migrating birds must secure their food sources, establish territories, and build nests—all while avoiding predators.

Why Birds are Essential to Ecosystems

Birds contribute to thriving ecosystems, ensuring balance through pollination, seed dispersal, and more.
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash

Spring birds are more than just beautiful sights and sounds—they are critical to the environment’s health.

• Pollinators: Hummingbirds transfer pollen between flowers, ensuring vibrant spring blooms.
• Natural Pest Control: Orioles, bluebirds, and woodpeckers consume harmful insects, helping farmers and gardeners reduce pesticide use.
• Ecosystem Stabilizers: Shorebirds feed on small invertebrates, maintaining wetland health, while turkey vultures, which often return to their breeding grounds in early spring, prevent the spread of disease by scavenging.
• Seed Dispersers: Many species, from songbirds to raptors, help forests regenerate by spreading seeds across vast distances.

Without birds, ecosystems would spiral out of balance, affecting plants, animals, and even humans.

How You Can Help Birds Thrive During Breeding Season

Keeping cats indoors, using Birdsbesafe collar covers, and installing nesting boxes are just some of the ways to help birds thrive this spring.
Photo by Kelly on Pexels

Spring is the most crucial season for bird survival. Here’s how you can make an immediate impact on our feathered friends:

• Use Birdsbesafe collar covers: The easiest, scientifically proven way to reduce bird deaths.
• Keep cats indoors or build a “catio”: Safe outdoor spaces protect both birds and cats.
• Plant native trees and flowers: Provide essential food and shelter for migratory birds.
• Avoid pesticides: These kill the insects that birds rely on for food.
• Add window decals: Prevent deadly bird collisions.
• Install nesting boxes: Help cavity-nesting birds, like eastern bluebirds, find safe homes.

Every small step you take ensures birds return year after year.

Bonus: Common Bird-Related Questions Answered

1. Best Bird-Watching Tips for Spring
   • Observe early in the morning for peak activity.
   • Visit wetlands, forests, backyards, or parks.
   • Use binoculars and bird identification apps like Merlin Bird ID.
2. How to Identify Birds by Sound
   • American Robin: Cheerful, whistling song at dawn.
   • Eastern Bluebird: Soft, warbling notes.
   • Red-Winged Blackbird: Sharp, "conk-la-ree" call.
   • Baltimore Oriole: Flute-like whistling.
   • Warblers: High-pitched, rapid songs.
   • Apps like Song Sleuth help with sound identification.
3. Regional Guide to Spring Birds
   • Northeast & Midwest: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Red-Winged Blackbird.
   • Southeast: Carolina Wren, Painted Bunting, Northern Parula.
   • West & Southwest: Western Bluebird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Roadrunner.
4. How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
   • Feeders: Provide sunflower seeds, nectar, suet, and mealworms.
   • Water Sources: Birdbaths or small fountains attract birds.
   • Shelter: Dense shrubs, trees, and nesting boxes offer safe havens.
   • Native Plants: Essential for food and habitat.

Act Now: Protect the Birds of Spring for the Future

Spring should be a season of abundance—not loss. But unless we take action, many birds will never make it past their first nesting season.

Birds bring beauty, music, and ecological stability to our world—but they need our help.

By making simple, responsible choices—such as using Birdsbesafe collar covers and creating bird-friendly habitats—we can ensure that spring remains a time of renewal, not decline.

Protect birds this spring. Make the switch to Birdsbesafe. 

Your actions today can save lives and preserve the magic of spring for generations to come.