Billions of migrating birds are on the move
Billions of birds are on the move, making the annual migration from Canada to warmer climes in the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America. Some stay — the boreal chickadee makes do, exploiting hidden food sources like insects and spiders and their eggs, hiding inside the bark of trees — but for many birds the risks of staying in Canada and braving the cold and lack of food are too great.
4. Make your windows more visible for your feathered friends with stickers, decals or strips of colour. Unbroken reflections baffle birds, causing them to fly into the glass.
5. Drive carefully and respect speed limits. Not only will this reduce your gas use, but it also saves birds and other wildlife. Roadside birds take flight at an angle—possibly straight into your vehicle’s path—so slow down.
6. Cap your chimneys and dryer vents. Wire mesh will keep birds from roosting or roasting in your furnace or fireplace.
7. Provide a water source. Bird baths need only be an inch or two deep and have a shallow slope. If you have cats that prowl the neighbourhood, it’s best to mount the bath on a pedestal. Bird baths should be cleaned once a week with a stiff brush.
8. Plant native plants. They provide shelter and food sources. Many birds also rely on these plants to fatten up in preparation for their migration. Good choices for parts of Canada include aspen (Populus), willow (Salix), dogwoods (Cornus), Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier), sunflowers, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Columbine, bee balm (Monarda), Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium), and Asters. White Cedar and White Spruce provide year-round green and good cover. No yard? Try planters.