It’s the time of year when billions of birds are on the move, making the annual Fall migration from Canada to warmer climes in the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

About 40% of the world’s bird species are considered migratory. In North America about 75% of bird species migrate, but in Canada alone roughly 90% of bird species take off for the winter.

There are many things you can do to encourage birds to visit your yard during their migration, and to ensure that their journey is a safe one. Here are five:

Throw old bread in the bin. Old baked goods are prone to mould, and fill a bird’s belly without meeting its nutritional needs. Mould can kill waterfowl. Instead of feeding old bread to the birds, offer dry seed, grains or fruits instead.

Put waste in its place. Birds become entangled in plastic bags, fishing line and other garbage, resulting in injury, strangulation or easy predation.

Break up your windows with stickers, decals or strips of colour. Unbroken reflections baffle birds, causing them to fly into the glass.

Drive carefully, especially in rural areas. Roadside birds take flight at an angle—possibly straight into your vehicle’s path—so slow down.

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.

Photo: Red Knot