Tree Frogs begin singing in early spring wildlife gardens
Early spring is such a wonderful time in the wildlife garden because it seems that every day brings exciting new changes: birds are singing, migrants are returning from the south, green shoots are beginning to poke out of the ground, the days are getting longer, and it’s getting warm again. My friends in South Jersey are already hearing the evening chorus of the Tree Frogs.
Now it’s time to get ready for all the excitement!
First, make sure you’ve cleaned your birdhouses so that they are good to go for new nesting birds. Once our birds have returned from their warm wintering spots, they have only one thing on their mind: building a nest for the next generation. So make sure if you haven’t already taken care of this that you do it now.
Although they may not appear in the Northeast for several weeks yet, the first Hummingbird migrants have already arrived at the Gulf Coast. Check your hummingbird feeders so that they are clean and ready to welcome these amazing birds back to your wildlife garden.
Ever notice that there’s a particular spring day when suddenly the bees all burst forth at once from their underground nests? I love bee day! That is when I’m really sure that spring is finally here. Bees and other native pollinators will thrive in your wildlife garden if you’ve laid out a great buffet for them.
And even though it’s still quite chilly, pay attention on those warmer sunny days for the first butterflies of spring. The first butterflies I see in my garden are the Mourning Cloak, which overwinters in tree crevices as an adult butterfly and will come out to feed on warm days, and the Spring Azure, which lays its eggs on a wide variety of native woody shrubs so they can begin this process when the first buds appear on these plants. My shrubs already have buds, so I’m keeping an eye out now.
But I have a confession to make. I’m so eager for spring that I’m cheating a little. Tomorrow I’m heading to Austin, TX where I’ll be touring the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. It’s 34° here and 76° there, so I’m really excited about going now!
What’s happening now in your spring wildlife garden?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I had no idea that it was best to clean out/empty the birdhouses from previous birds. One of my birdhouses always has a family of sparrows in it-even all through the winter. I hesitate to clean that house out-there may be someone still in it. (I don’t want to ruffle any feathers)
Susan, If you think someone’s in that birdhouse I’d wait until the end of summer to clean it out. I had a very angry Chickadee once when I moved a birdhouse because I thought no one was in it. Trust me, I put it back real quick
Great advice Carole!
Spring has pretty much sprung here in Florida, although yesterday we tied the record morning low in Orlando. Still, I see lots of insect activity beginning to take place which is good because the bluebirds AND mockingbirds are both nesting at my place.
Loret, I’m always jealous of you Florida wildlife gardeners who get spring so much earlier than we do. But it’s so nice to see those nesting bluebirds through your eyes!
Spring has not arrived in southeastern New Brunswick [Canada]. After a very severe winter of heavy snow, there are still many 5 foot snowbanks at intersections. Each day bring more hope that spring is on its way. Snow and ice are melting and water is flowing. In a small garden adjacent to the foundation of my house the crocus, tulips, sedum and columbines are poking their heads thru the earth. The birds are beginning to return from their winter homes. The crackles, starlings, robins and hawks are arriving. The chick-a-dees are singing. The crows are nest building.
Judi, it did feel like a really hard winter this year, didn’t it? I’m so happy for you that you’re beginning to see small signs that spring will indeed return.
It is a sunny day in Philadelphia, so I’ll be keeping my eye out for our first butterflies…Thanks!
Debra, I saw my first Mourning Cloak butterfly in my Philadelphia wildlife garden this week, so keep your eyes peeled you should see them soon, too
WOW!! Ladies & Gents.
I am so very anxious for spring to arrive. I have erected 6 newly built bluebird houses and am eagerly watching every day for some activity. I found the house design on the Internet and I found it a pleasure to build these. If, (IF) I am fortunate enough to have some settlers, I plan to construct many more for sale, with the testimony that they really do invite the guests to “COME & TINE”. Keep bluebirding ahead! They are a pleasure to watch and to protect.
Lynn, am dreaming of bluebirds in all 6 of your houses! Let us know how it goes.
Hello, my name is Lora and I have been trying to attract cardinals and bluebirds all winter with no results! My property borders three sides of pine trees, few birch, & some oak trees. I have one crab apple tree at one side of my home and some Rhododendrons on the other side of my home. I have multiple feeding stations, including hopper, platform tray’s and tube feeders. I have fed chickadee’s, nuthatches, tufted titmouse, and dark eyed-junco’s, all winter. How can I achieve success with attracting Cardinals and Bluebirds, finches, tanagers, buntings, Rose-breasted grosbeaks, Red-winged black bird, etc? thank you!
Lora
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