Dear Birdwatchers,
Across New York State, billions of birds are getting ready for their fall journey to the tropics. Bright Baltimore Orioles, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, and the ruby-throated hummingbirds are packing their tiny suitcases and saying goodbye to summer in the Finger Lakes. Bird lovers, with binoculars in hand and hearts full of excitement, watch eagerly, hoping these little travelers have a safe and successful trip. Snowbirds from Central New York will also be heading to warmer climates for the winter. Am I a little jealous, you bet your Rough-legged hawk boots I am.
Are you wondering how you can help with the fall bird migration? You are in luck because I’ve found five ways to make for a safer journey.
- High-Energy Food (This is a Biggy)
- Black oil sunflower seeds, kernels, and hearts: These are a rich and concentrated source of energy and protein for migratory birds, much like natural energy drinks like we like to order at Blue Dog Drink Co in Victor.
- Suet: It’s not just for woodpeckers anymore, it’s now a tasty local delicacy! During fall migration in New York, suet becomes the bird equivalent of a gourmet energy bar, keeping our feathered friends energized for those long journeys and winter prep. Honestly, suet is to birds what a trail cookie at Emmie’s Organics in Ithaca is to us—an irresistible, nourishing treat.
- Mulch piles: Central New Yorkers often compete in a neighborly rivalry like who’s going to rake up leaves first and clear out end-of-summer mulch. It’s only natural when the season to come is winter. But try to hold off during fall migration. Let leaf piles gather in your yard. These tiny mountain ranges are nature’s playground, providing a cozy mansion for insects and tiny creatures that birds love to snack on. By supporting our local critters, you can keep your yard lively and fun even though it’s killing you to finish yard work.
2. Keep Cats Indoors:
Ever catch yourself thinking, “Could Fluffy be a bird assassin?” or whispering, “My Thomasina’s way too adorable to be a murderer”? Well, believe it or not, around 2.6 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada fall prey to cats every day.
Yes, it’s surprising to think your little mouser is also a bird killer. But it’s all instinct! Just like how we desperately try to snag a last-minute reservation at Lasca’s Restaurant on a Friday night, craving that irresistible prime rib and budging ahead in line to get it. Outdoor cats risk contracting tapeworms, fleas, and other diseases, and also being preyed upon by predators and becoming a hood ornament on a speeding car. Bird lovers aren’t anti-cat; they just want to keep birds as well as our feline friends safe and sound.
3. Windows:
Windows are deadly to birds, with an estimated 599 million dying per year from collisions in the U.S. alone. Homeowners can make a significant difference by doing their part with window safety.
At night, lighted windows attract and kill migrating birds. During the day, windows reflect foliage, the sky, and other birds, which makes birds think they can fly through them. I know what you’re thinking. If I cover my windows, how will I see my birds at the feeder? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but I am.
So, I did some research and here’s what I found on Amazon:
52 Pcs Circle Window Decals for Bird Strikes
WindowAlert Classic Square Anti-Collision Decal
VViViD White Perforated Vinyl Window Film
I’ve rarely have bird collisions into my windows, but some people have certain birds that will constantly run into a window because it sees its reflection. That is frustrating for both the window owner and the poor bird.
4. Turn Off Lights at Night:
Did you know that most birds prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness? Bright lights can blind feathered travelers into accidental casualties, causing them to bump into buildings or becoming lost. How can we lend a wing and help them find their way south? In New York State, the ‘Fall Lights Out initiative’ runs from August 15 to November 15, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. Check out DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep ‘Lights out’ to Protect Migrating Birds to find out more.
5. Pesticides:
Exposure to pesticides can affect birds in lots of ways, whether they come into contact with them directly or indirectly. Sometimes, birds can swallow pesticides, mistaking them for seeds, especially pellets or granules. Imagine a bird thinking it’s grabbing a snack only to get a mouthful of chemicals. They might also get exposed indirectly by eating contaminated prey, drinking polluted water, or grooming pesticide residues off their feathers. Birds can even absorb pesticides through their skin when they bathe or breathe in chemicals during pesticide spraying. Because there’s no Erin Brockovich in the birding world, we have to do our parts to save them.
Now that you’ve got these steps in place, you can feel confident that with your help fall migration will go off without a hitch.
Are you looking to the skies for your favorite birds flying south? Let me know what you see.
Sources and further reading:
The Impact of Pesticides on Bird Populations
Fall migration ushers in birding hikes, habitat restoration in the Finger Lakes
How to help birding during fall migration
