Map courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain)

6 Ways to Prepare Your Yard for Spring Migration

Spring migration is one of the most exciting times of the year for bird lovers. Creating a safe, welcoming environment helps migrating birds rest, refuel, and continue their journeys successfully. Here’s how you can help:

1. Understand spring migration and bird safety.

Each spring, billions of birds migrate across North America. Many species travel at night, using the stars to navigate. Artificial lights can disorient birds, causing fatal collisions with buildings. To help, turn off unnecessary outdoor lights between dusk and dawn during peak migration periods, especially in April and May. Visit BirdCast’s Lights Out to learn more and track migration alerts for your area.

2. Create a bird-friendly, natural landscape.

A dynamic, less-manicured yard provides important resting and foraging areas for tired migrants. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that offer natural food sources like nectar, seeds, and insects. Leave brush piles and dead wood where safe, offering shelter and bug-rich feeding areas for warblers, thrushes, tanagers, and more.

3. Freshen up bird feeding stations.

Spring is the perfect time to clean and refill your feeders with fresh, high-quality foods. Offer seed blends rich in sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet products like Bark Butter® to support the energy needs of migrating birds. Set up multiple feeders at different heights to attract a wide variety of species, from ground-feeding sparrows to canopy-feeding orioles.

4. Keep fresh water available.

Reliable water sources are critical for migrants. Install a birdbath with moving water, such as a dripper, mister, or fountain. The sound and sparkle of moving water can attract birds that might otherwise pass by unseen. Clean water sources regularly to keep them safe and healthy for birds.

5. Offer more than just seed.

Spring migrants benefit from protein-rich foods like live or dried mealworms, fruit, and high-fat foods. Offer orange halves and grape jelly for orioles, nectar for hummingbirds, and mealworms for robins and bluebirds. Supplementing with a variety of foods helps provide the extra energy birds need for their long journeys.

6. Make your windows safer.

During migration, window collisions can be deadly for birds. Place feeders either very close to (within 3 feet) or far away (more than 30 feet) from windows. Apply bird-safe window decals, screens, or films to reduce reflections and prevent strikes.

Stop by our store to find a variety of foods, feeders, water features, and bird-friendly solutions to help you prepare for spring migration. Together, we can make a difference for our traveling feathered friends!

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