Now is the peak season for migratory birds. There are many ways you can support these animals on their incredible journeys. Plus local overwintering birds can use your support!
Reduce or eliminate outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting confuses and disorients migratory birds (and most nocturnal animals!). Check out our guidelines and tips for reducing your outdoor light pollution.
Leave fruit and seeds on vegetation
Once the weather cools, many gardeners are eager to clean up their gardens – WAIT! Birds need the seeds and berries for food. Additionally, many “weed” plants like pokeberry, Virginia creeper, and grape vine are actually native plants that provide important food for birds – so leave them.
Plant native plants, including bushes and trees that produce fruit
This is a long term plan to support birds as any plants planted now will not fruit for seasons yet to come. When it comes to the nutritional value of fruit for birds – nothing beats our natives. According to PA DCNR, common native berries will provide 19-50% fat content, whereas non-native berries will offer as little as 1%. Non-native berries are like junk food, give them something substantial and plant natives like serviceberry, dogwoods, viburnums, fox grapes, Virginia creeper, hackberry, or chokeberry.
Put out your bird feeder
Now is a great time to put back out your backyard bird feeder. As insect sources of food dwindle and healthy native berries may be in short supply, you can offer food at your feeder! Consult with a local bird food supplier, like Wild Birds Unlimited in Buckingham for more ideas!
Brush piles
Brush piles are just what they sound like – a human-made pile of woody plant debris. You can use any kind of material from cut back invasives like multiflora rose to fallen tree limbs. The piles provide safe spaces for many animals, including birds, to hide out from predators or bad weather.
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