Bird migration is an impressive feat where birds can navigate over long distances without modern technology. However, they are facing challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. As individuals, there are several ways we can personally make a difference in supporting migrating bird populations.
1. Provide Food and Water
One way to help is by providing food and water. Migration is a very physically demanding process for birds, and they need to consume large amounts of food to fuel their long flights. By planting native plants that provide seeds, fruits, and nectar, bird lovers can provide a reliable food source for migrating birds. Building bird feeders can provide extra food and water for birds, in addition to what they find in nature.
2. Enhance Window Visibility
Another fascinating aspect of bird migration is the incredible navigational abilities that many species possess. From using landmarks and celestial cues to sensing the Earth’s magnetic field, these birds have some serious skills! By understanding these navigation methods, we can better appreciate the incredible journey these birds undertake each year.
Unfortunately, windows are posing a serious danger to migrating birds, with an estimated 100 million to 1 billion birds dying each year due to impacts with clear or reflective glass. But there is a good news: preventing these strikes is fairly easy. By using decals, films, or other treatments to make windows more visible, we can drastically reduce the risk of collisions. Plus, it’s a fun opportunity to get creative with your home decor!
3. Turn Off the Lights
Birds that migrate at night often use stars and the moon as their guide, but the growing amount of artificial light in our cities can cause them to become confused and disoriented. This can result in collisions with buildings or windows, and even cause birds to become trapped in bright lights, circling and exhausting themselves. Studies suggest that light pollution can cause up to a million bird deaths per year.
One well-known example of the dangers of light pollution is the 9/11 Memorial’s Tribute in Lights, which uses powerful beams that attract and trap migrating birds. However, organizations like the New York City Audubon are working to monitor the number of trapped birds and have successfully convinced the city to shut off the lights for a short period to allow the birds to escape and continue their journey.
To mitigate bird collisions with buildings, we can enhance safety for migratory birds by turning off superfluous lighting during their seasonal journeys between breeding and wintering locations.
By providing these resources, bird-friendly spaces can help migrating birds to rest, refuel, and replenish their energy during their long journeys. Additionally, by creating suitable habitat for breeding and nesting during the spring and summer months, bird-friendly spaces can help to support healthy and thriving bird populations year-round. Overall, creating bird-friendly spaces is a key way that bird lovers can make a meaningful contribution to bird conservation and help to ensure that migrating birds have the resources they need to survive and thrive.