Spring in Kamloops is one of the best times of year to be a backyard birder. As temperatures climb and daylight stretches out, wild bird activity picks up quickly — resident species become more active, and migratory birds begin arriving from the south. If your feeder has been quiet through the winter, now is the time to get it ready.
Here's everything you need to know to set up your feeder for a great spring season.
Start with a Clean Feeder
Before you do anything else, clean your feeder thoroughly. Winter weather can leave behind old seed, moisture, and mould — none of which are good for the birds you're trying to attract. A dirty feeder can spread disease between birds and will also deter them from visiting in the first place.
A simple scrub with warm soapy water, a good rinse, and time to dry completely before refilling is all it takes. If you have a tube feeder, a long-handled brush makes it much easier to clean the inside properly. Make it a habit to do this a few times throughout the season — especially after heavy rain.
Choose the Right Seed for Spring
Spring brings a wider variety of birds than winter, so it's worth thinking about what you're putting in your feeder. A few seed types that perform well this time of year in the BC Interior:
Sunflower seeds are the most versatile option — they attract chickadees, nuthatches, finches, grosbeaks, and more. If you only stock one seed, make it sunflower.
Nyjer (thistle) seed is essential if you want to attract American Goldfinches, which return to Kamloops in late April. A dedicated nyjer feeder will bring them in quickly once they arrive.
Millet is great for ground-feeding birds like Dark-Eyed Juncos and sparrows. Scatter some on a platform feederr.
Safflower seeds are worth adding if squirrels are a problem — most squirrels avoid them, but House Finches, chickadees, and doves love them.
Not sure what to stock? Our team at Purity Feed is happy to help you put together the right combination for the birds in your area.
Know When to Expect Your Spring Visitors
Timing your setup right means you won't miss the early arrivals. In the BC Interior, here's a rough guide to when some of the most anticipated species show up:
- Rufous Hummingbirds — typically arrive in Kamloops around mid-April. Have your hummingbird feeder clean and stocked with fresh nectar before then.
- American Goldfinches — start appearing in late April, with numbers building through May.
- Black-Headed Grosbeaks — usually arrive in May and are a highlight of the spring feeding season.
- Lazuli Buntings — another May arrival and one of the most striking birds you'll see at a BC feeder.
Resident species like Black-Capped Chickadees, Dark-Eyed Juncos, and House Finches will already be active and are a good sign your feeder is in a good spot before the migrants arrive.
Position Your Feeder the Right Way
Where you place your feeder makes a real difference in how many birds visit — and how safe they are. A good rule of thumb is the 5-7-9 rule: position your feeder 5 feet off the ground, at least 7 feet away from structures like trees or fences, with at least 9 feet of clear space above it. This makes it harder for predators and squirrels to access and gives birds a clear flight path in and out.
Place your feeder near natural cover — a shrub or tree within a few metres gives birds a safe place to land and watch before approaching. Just make sure that cover isn't so close that it becomes a launching pad for squirrels.
A Note on Bears in Kamloops
Spring also means bears are active again in the BC Interior, and bird feeders are a known attractant. The BC Conservation Foundation recommends bringing feeders indoors at night once bears are active in your area — typically from April onward.
If you live in a bear-active neighbourhood, consider taking your feeder in each evening and putting it back out in the morning. It's a small habit that makes a big difference. When in doubt, check in with BC Conservation or your local wildlife resources for current bear activity in your area.
Keep Your Feeder Stocked Consistently
Once birds find a reliable food source, they'll keep coming back — but if your feeder runs empty too often, they'll move on and find somewhere else. Through spring and into summer, bird activity is at its peak, so you may find yourself going through seed faster than you expected.
Purity Feed's Frequent Buyer Program makes it easy to keep up. Buy 12 bags of wild bird seed and your 13th is free — a simple reward for keeping your feeder full all season long. Ask our team in store to get set up.
Ready to Stock Up?
We carry a full selection of wild bird seed, feeders, and supplies at our Kamloops and Merritt locations. Whether you're setting up for the first time or refreshing your setup for the new season, our team can help you find exactly what you need.