This may be the last look at a seasonal Sunday bird with snow this winter as it is now meteorological spring! Now that we have crossed into March, cavity-nesting birds like this Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) will be looking for nesting sites. If you enjoy hosting wild birds by providing nest boxes, now is the time to get them ready.
Have you ever put out dog fur for birds to use as nesting material? Chickadees, and other small songbirds that use nest boxes and cavities like the Tufted Titmouse, will take fur that you put out in say, an empty suet cage, and use it to line their nest. Some have even been known to try to pull the fur right off a dog or another animal! You should be certain that the fur is free of any parasites or chemicals and is otherwise clean. They will readily fill their bills with large amounts and rush it right back home to continue the construction. I hope your home is home to many birds this year!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
