Every fall, millions of birds take to the skies on an incredible journey. Some travel hundreds of miles, while others migrate thousands of miles in search of warmer climates and reliable food sources. For these travelers, migration takes an incredible amount of energy. Birds depend on calorie-rich foods to build and replenish the fat reserves that power their flight, making seeds, insects, berries, and other natural foods important sources of fuel along the way.
Your backyard can become a valuable rest stop for birds passing through. You may even spot species you don’t see any other time of year, including Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, and some Warblers. Keeping feeders stocked with nutritious food, providing fresh water, and planting native plants can give migrating birds the resources they need to refuel and rest along their journey.
And don’t put away those hummingbird feeders just yet! Keep them out for about two weeks after you notice the last hummingbird visiting to help ensure late migrants and stragglers still have a place to refuel.
Help fuel the flight in your own backyard! Visit the Wild Bird and Nature Store for quality bird food, feeders, bird baths, and backyard essentials to help make your yard a welcoming stop for birds on the move.
-submitted by Wild Bird and Nature Store
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