Giving a Hand to Migratory Birds in Spring and Summer
As warm spring days approach, neotropical migratory birds such as orioles, catbirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds, barn swallows, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and broad-winged hawks return from their winter homes in Latin America to spend the summer in North American backyards.
Unfortunately, in addition to the dangers they face during their migratory journey, there are many threats to migratory birds on their summer breeding grounds in North America. Creating a bird-friendly habitat in the backyard is an important step in helping to protect both migratory and resident birds. Put out a feeder and water source. Make sure you keep them clean to avoid spreading diseases among your backyard bird population.
- Landscape your yard with native trees and plants for food and shelter.
- Put paper bird silhouettes or streamers on windows so birds won't fly into them.
- Avoid dangerous chemicals—use natural products in your home and on your lawn.
- Keep pets indoors. Domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year.
