Just when it seems like spring is within reach, another taste of winter reminds us we still have a few more weeks to go.

During a brief sunny break last week, I took a walk in the snow and within a few minutes stopped and located a beautiful house finch that was singing its heart out in a nearby tree.

Dressed in his breeding plumage, he will soon be joined by many other species of birds whose priority is to find a mate and reproduce. As daylight hours lengthen, the birds鈥� hormones are stimulated, which in turn produces brilliant plumage, territorial and mating behaviour, and melodious vocalization from the males.

This is a wonderful time to watch the avian species as they interact and woo their mates. There are wonderful displays in the air, on the water and land, as well as inter-species fighting over a mate and territory.

This is the time to check around in your gardens and clean out any unhealthy plants and trees, or areas that unwanted guests could decide to nest in. Bird feeders should be taken down and repaired, cleaned with hot, soapy water and rinsed in a mild bleach solution, which will prevent mould, fungus and disease from spreading to the birds, especially vulnerable species like pine siskins.

It is not too early to start hanging hummingbird feeders to help the early arrivals and those that have remained through the winter. Preferably, feeders should be hung away from windows, as often hummingbirds are injured when they see their reflection and attack what they assume is another bird in their territory, thus hitting the window.

Other areas that should be addressed are fences, attics, underneath decks and patios, and open garages and sheds 鈥� all are favourite places for creatures such as squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and deer.

Springtime is a very busy season for MARS and also a time when we like to reinforce some basic facts and guidelines to protect wildlife from human disturbance.

Birds and their nesting sites are protected by the wildlife acts, and nests should not be destroyed or moved until the young have fledged. Eagle nests are protected year-round, with additional restrictions during nesting time.

It is critical to the healthy survival of the young that they remain with the parents for the natural weaning period of each species. Some wildlife, especially waterfowl, become independent feeders almost as soon as they hatch; other species may be dependent on their mothers for milk or food for a number of weeks.

Each year, the largest percentage of wildlife admitted to our centre in the spring has been 鈥渒idnapped鈥� or abandoned, due to human intervention. Mammals, especially, will hide their young when they leave them to hunt for food, so we ask that if you have a concern about an abandoned creature, please call us for advice before intervening.

It is against the wildlife act to raise a wild animal in captivity, a practice which often leads to their demise, since we cannot provide their specialized diets. By assuming the role of the parent, you will also 鈥渋mprint鈥� the creature to humans, which means it cannot be returned to the wild.

A special word of caution concerns raccoons, which may appear cute and cuddly, but can become very aggressive if cornered or protecting their young. They can also carry and transmit some very nasty diseases.

A reminder also that MARS does not rescue adult mammals. These creatures have specific housing needs and should only be handled by qualified wildlife personnel. If a deer meets its demise on your property, it is your responsibility to dispose of it. If you are unfortunate enough to hit a deer on the highway, contact Emcon at 250-336-8897.

To encourage wildlife to your garden, think about planting native plants, provide natural shelter for protection and nest sites, and encourage pollinators to visit 鈥� which includes the birds and the bees.

A final reminder about MARS鈥� Eaglefest this Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River. It鈥檚 a unique opportunity to listen to some great wildlife speakers and meet their wildlife ambassadors.

To report injured wildlife, call 1-800-304-9968; for all other inquiries call 250-337-2021.

Sandy Fairfield is the educational co-ordinator for the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS). The MARS column appears every second Friday.