Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Backyard bird enthusiasts along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being encouraged to prepare as the songbird nesting season begins. Residents in coastal areas such as Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley are noticing more small birds searching for safe spots to raise their young. Local wildlife experts say simple actions at home can make yards more inviting to songbirds. They also mention that setting up birdhouses now can support both year-round birds and seasonal visitors in this coastal region.

In coastal Alabama, nesting activity for many songbirds increases during the spring as temperatures rise and days get longer. Birds start searching for clean, dry nest sites in neighborhoods near the beach, in pine forests just inland, and in waterfront communities along Mobile Bay and Perdido Bay. Homeowners with birdhouses hanging in their yards are encouraged to check them before the season begins. A few minutes of maintenance can help protect young birds from pests and disease.

“Be sure to remove any old nests from previous years,” Alabama Extension advised in a recent reminder to residents. “This helps eliminate mites and bacteria and ensures the house is clean and ready for new tenants.” That guidance applies to Gulf Coast properties just as much as inland areas, since many of the same songbird species use nest boxes in both places.

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Along the coast, birdhouses can attract common Alabama songbirds such as bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens that are comfortable living around people. These birds will use nest boxes in suburban neighborhoods, rural areas, and even busy beach towns when suitable shelter is available. Clean, well-placed birdhouses give them more options in areas where natural tree cavities may be limited by development or storm damage.

For Gulf Coast residents who do not yet have a birdhouse,Alabama Extension provides an online guide that walks people through building one from the ground up. The resource outlines recommended birdhouse sizes for various songbird species, including detailed dimensions and instructions. It aims to help beginners measure, cut, and assemble the pieces properly so the finished box is safe and functional for birds.

The agency’s guidance also helps coastal homeowners select the appropriate type of house for the birds they want to attract. Some species favor slightly larger boxes or different entrance hole sizes, while others might nest closer to shrubs, open lawns, or water. Following those recommendations can improve the likelihood that a new box will be used during the upcoming nesting season.

Bird advocates say that building birdhouses is an easy way for Gulf Coast residents to support local wildlife. Cleaning out old nests, placing boxes at the right height, and using proper dimensions all help create healthier songbird populations. For more detailed instructions, residents can visit the Alabama Extension website and find the birdhouse guide under its forestry and wildlife resources.