October 29th

By Mutt Mulligan

Let your backyard go to the birds this fall.

It’s getting colder outside, which means migratory birds are beginning to make their annual trek south. Plan it right and your backyard could become the perfect pit-stop for these frolicking fowl.

Birds can actually help us care for green spaces. Birds boost tree growth by up to 30% by removing parasites and other damaging insects that stall growth. They are also natural gardeners, transporting seeds and pollen.

Photo courtesy of surfbirds.com

Preparing your yard for backyard bird watching is a fun family activity that can help get your children interested in the outdoors.

• Hang a bird feeder in your backyard to make it easy for migrating birds to fuel up on their trip. Place it in a spot that’s easy to see!
• Your family can watch the birds come and go, and can use books or the Internet to identify the species and migration patterns.
• Use not only your sense of sight, but also your sense of hearing to tune in to the different behaviors of the birds.
• Consider leaving – rather than cleaning up – the stems of your perennials. They offer perches, seeds and insect treats for all sorts of birds.

Have you created a bird sanctuary in  your backyard? Share your story here, or post a photo of your creation on TurfMutt’s Facebook page.

Range maps info here: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/migration/range_maps.

Link to Family Activities Guide p. 2