Spring Migration Magic: How to Attract New Arrivals to Your Backyard

Every spring, the skies come alive with a wave of color and song as millions of birds return from their southern wintering grounds. These incredible feathered travelers are on a mission—many headed as far north as Canada to breed—and your backyard could be one of their first stops for rest and refueling.

Spring migration is one of the most exciting times of year for birdwatchers, as it brings a whole cast of new species to feeders and gardens. From the fiery flash of a Baltimore Oriole to the cheerful song of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, these seasonal visitors are a welcome sight after the quiet months of winter. If you’ve been feeding birds all year, your efforts are about to pay off in a big way—but even if you’re just getting started, now is the perfect time to turn your backyard into a migratory magnet.

In this week’s WildWatch Weekly, we’ll look at some of the amazing birds that are on the move this season and share easy, effective tips for attracting them to your yard—from the best foods to offer, to clever ways to provide shelter and water. Get ready to roll out the welcome mat—spring migrants are coming, and you won’t want to miss them!

Welcoming the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak: A Springtime Showstopper

One of the most striking and anticipated arrivals during spring migration is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. With its bold black-and-white plumage and bright crimson chest, the male grosbeak is a showstopper at any feeder. These beautiful birds spend their winters in Central and South America, including countries like Panama, Colombia, and even parts of northern South America. Their spring migration north covers thousands of miles and can take several weeks to complete, depending on weather and food availability. By late April through early May, many begin arriving in Western Pennsylvania, using our backyards as important stopovers—or even nesting grounds.

To attract these birds to your yard, sunflower seeds are a must. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, but they’ll also readily eat safflower seeds and shelled peanuts. They prefer platform feeders or large hopper feeders where they have room to perch comfortably. Some may even visit tube feeders with wide perches. Make sure your feeders are placed in a quiet area, ideally near trees or shrubs that offer some natural cover and protection.

If you’re lucky, your backyard might become more than just a feeding station—it could become a nesting site. Grosbeaks build loose, cup-shaped nests in deciduous trees or shrubs, often 5 to 15 feet off the ground. Once the young hatch, both the male and female help feed them—and it’s not uncommon to see parents bringing their fledglings right to the feeder for an easy meal. Seeing an adult grosbeak introduce its young to your feeder is one of the most rewarding sights for backyard birders during the spring and early summer months.

The Bright Arrival: Baltimore Orioles Are Back!

Few birds announce the arrival of spring quite like the Baltimore Oriole. With their brilliant orange and black plumage and sweet, flute-like song, these birds bring a tropical splash of color and music to our backyards. Baltimore Orioles migrate all the way from Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean, making an incredible journey of 2,000 to 3,000 miles to return to their breeding grounds in the eastern United States—including right here in Western Pennsylvania. Most orioles begin arriving in our area by late April to early May, depending on weather patterns.

To attract these showy songbirds, sweet treats are the secret. Orioles are famously drawn to fresh orange halves, which can be placed on special oriole feeders or even nailed to tree branches. Grape jelly is another favorite—just be sure to offer it in moderation and place it in shallow cups or dishes designed for birds. You can also find nectar feeders made specifically for orioles, which are similar to hummingbird feeders but have larger ports and perches. Orioles prefer open spaces with scattered trees, so feeders near tall deciduous trees often get the most traffic.

After settling in, Baltimore Orioles build stunning, hanging pouch-like nests—woven intricately from grasses, plant fibers, and even bits of string. These nests are usually suspended high in the treetops and can be hard to spot. Once the chicks hatch, you may be lucky enough to see parents bringing their fledglings to your feeders to teach them where to find an easy snack. It’s an unforgettable sight that captures the joy of spring migration and the reward of creating a bird-friendly backyard.

The Blue Jewel of Spring: Spotting the Indigo Bunting

If you’re lucky enough to spot a flash of electric blue at your feeder this spring, chances are you’ve just welcomed an Indigo Bunting to your backyard. These stunning songbirds migrate from their wintering grounds in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, embarking on a journey of over 1,000 miles to reach their breeding territory across the eastern and central U.S. In Western Pennsylvania, Indigo Buntings usually start arriving in early to mid-May, right as the forest edges and meadows begin to green up.

To entice these colorful visitors, stock your feeders with white millet, black oil sunflower seeds, or a high-quality mixed seed blend. Indigo Buntings often feed on the ground or on low platform feeders, but they’ll also visit hanging feeders if the perches are sturdy enough. Scatter some seed at the base of shrubs or along brushy edges for a more natural setup, especially if you’ve noticed buntings nearby.

Indigo Buntings prefer to nest in dense shrubs, thickets, or brushy edges of woodlands, often building their small cup-shaped nests just a few feet off the ground. Though they’re secretive during nesting, patient birdwatchers may be rewarded later in the season when parents bring fledglings to the feeder. Watching these brilliant blue adults feed their slightly scruffy young is a rewarding experience that makes all the effort of spring bird feeding worthwhile.

Get Ready for a Season Full of Song and Color

Spring migration is one of nature’s greatest shows, and your backyard can be a front-row seat to all the action. By offering the right food, placing your feeders near shelter, and keeping a fresh supply of water available, you’ll be setting the stage to attract some of the season’s most beautiful visitors—from Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to the dazzling Indigo Bunting.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for nesting activity nearby—many of these birds will raise their young right in your neighborhood, and some may even bring fledglings to your feeders as they learn the ropes of finding food. It’s a perfect reminder that even small efforts to support birds during migration can make a big difference.

We’d love to hear what birds are showing up at your feeders! Share your photos, videos, or stories with us on our PixCams Facebook page or tag us on social media. Your sightings help build a stronger birding community and inspire others to get involved in this incredible season of movement and renewal. Happy birding!

Try Our Jelly Feeder—A Must-Have for Orioles and More!

Looking to take your spring bird setup to the next level? Check out our specially designed jelly feeder, perfect for attracting Baltimore Orioles, Gray Catbirds, and even Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. This feeder is built to hold grape jelly securely and keep it fresh, while offering a perch that’s easy and safe for birds to use. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to bring in those sweet-loving migrants that you don’t want to miss! You can find it here: https://pixcams.com/oriole-feeder/