Natural History Wanderings

Suggestions from Audubon on what you can do to support birds migrating through your area.

Audublog ~ Simple ways to help the birds out this spring.

• Ask the folks at your local nursery, or just search online, which plants are native to your area and plant them in your garden.
• Keep your cat indoors. It’s good for your cat, it’s good for your birds.
• Add a water feature to your yard, and clean it regularly.
• Hold off trimming your trees until the fall, when most birds will not be building nests.
• Avoid the outdoor use of pesticides and rodenticides. These poisons work their way up the food chain and can do great harm to birds.
• Help birds avoid collisions with windows and glass windbreaks by using silhouettes and reflectors. Research online to find the treatment that’s right for you.
• If you’re using a hummingbird feeder, clean it regularly.
• Buy a bird book, and get to know the birds in your yard. You might be amazed what comes to visit this spring.
• Connect with your local Audubon chapter to go on a spring field trip or attend a birding program.