WINTER fades and Spring approaches, Birds begin to exhibit fascinating behaviors in preparation for the new season.  Changes are driven by increased daylight and warmer temperatures.  Birds know it is time to start Spring activity.  

One of the most noticeable changes is the start of courtship displays.  Males often perform elaborate dances, sing complex songs, and show their bright plumage to attract females.  These displays are not only for show, they are crucial for finding a mate and establish a territory.  Male Robins puff out their chest and sing loudly to get attention.

Singing ramps up as Spring approaches.  Birds sing to communicate with each other, establish territories, and attract mates.  Songs are more often and varied.  You might hear the cheerful melodies of the Cardinal or complex songs of Song Sparrows.  

NEST BUILDING
As preparation for raising their young, many birds start building nests.  They gather twigs, grass, feathers, and animal hair to create a safe and comfortable place for their eggs.  Some birds, like the ORIOLES, build their nest high up at the canopy of a shade tree., while others like a Wren, prefer a nesting box.

MIGRATION PATTERNS
For migrating birds, like the Purple Martin, spring marks the time to return to their breeding grounds.  These birds travel long distances from their wintering locations to areas where they can find abundant food and suitable nesting sites.  It is incredible how far birds will migrate:  Purple Martins migrate from the Amazon Basin in South America, Orioles from Central & South America, Hummingbird from Mexico & Central America.

CHANGES IN FEEDING BEHAVIOR
As the weather warms, the availability of food changes.  Birds shift their diets to take advantage of the new food sources.  Insects become more plentiful, and many birds switch from eating seeds & berries to catching bugs. Good example is the Baltimore Oriole, if you want to see Orioles have dark colored jelly & oranges slices out by Mothers Day, than in June they switch their diet to caterpillars up in the trees and feed them to their young.

TERRITORIAL BEHAVIOR
With the onset of Spring, birds become more territorial.  Males often defend their chosen areas aggressively to ensure they have enough resources for their mates and offspring.  They use song, displays, and physical confrontations to keep rivals away.  Take the House Wren, the are small, but do not put more than 1 Wren house in each tree.