In much of the U.S., May is peak migration month. Billions of birds of every kind – songbirds, raptors and shorebirds – fly from their winter homes in the south to their summer breeding grounds in places as far north as the Arctic. Along the way they encounter many perils, including bright lights and tall buildings, cats, and yard care chemicals. Fortunately, people can help ensure a safer journey for migrating birds. Backyards and parks, often key stopover points for many species, can become bird-friendly rest stops with a few simple steps. Try these tips from the National Audubon Society to help birds on their journey:
Plant native plants. Natives provide birds with food in the form of fruit and seeds, and are also home to tasty invertebrates like bugs and spiders. Learn more at athome.audubon.org/plant-native-species.
Provide cover in your backyard. Leave snags for nesting places and stack downed tree limbs to create a brush pile, which is a great source of cover for birds during bad weather. Learn more at audubon.org/bird/at_home/HealthyYard_BirdHabitat.html.
Help birds stay on course. Close your blinds at night and turn off lights you aren't using. Some birds use constellations to guide them on their annual migrations, and bright lights can disrupt them. Learn more at audubon.org/bird/at_home/SafeImpact.html.
Create or protect water sources in your yard. Birds need water to drink and bathe in, just like we do. Be sure to change the water two to three times per week when mosquitoes are breeding. Learn more at audubon.org/bird/at_home./HealthyYard_BirdHabitat.html.
Friday, May 18 2012 4:50 PM EDT2012-05-18 20:50:47 GMT
What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. NitrogenMore >>
What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. Nitrogen is important because it builds our DNA, amino acids, and proteins that grow the tissues of all living things.More >>
Friday, May 11 2012 4:52 PM EDT2012-05-11 20:52:58 GMT
National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country,More >>
National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country, there is sure to be one near you.More >>
Friday, May 4 2012 4:46 PM EDT2012-05-04 20:46:00 GMT
Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams. Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is importantMore >>
Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams. Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is important to know the water needs of the types of plants you intend to grow to maximize water conservation while ensuring that each type of plant receives an adequate amount of moisture to thrive.More >>
Friday, March 30 2012 4:38 PM EDT2012-03-30 20:38:59 GMT
Ah-choo! High pollen levels throughout much of the country mean that millions of Americans are sniffling, sneezing and itching. Spring allergies are usually caused by tree pollen, while grasses are generally the culprit during late spring and summer. Weather and environmental conditions affect the severity of your allergy symptoms.More >>
Friday, March 23 2012 4:42 PM EDT2012-03-23 20:42:56 GMT
Although the drought in Texas and other states in 2011 meant fewer wildflowers bloomed to produce seeds last year, many native plants have a trick up their stems: they produce seeds in plentiful years that "sit out" lean ones.More >>
Friday, March 16 2012 4:27 PM EDT2012-03-16 20:27:49 GMT
March 12–18, 2012 is Fix a Leak Week! Did you know that common household leaks can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to wash 10 months' worth of laundry? It's as easy as "check-twist-replace" to find and fix leaks at home.More >>
Friday, February 17 2012 4:36 PM EST2012-02-17 21:36:33 GMT
The 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 22. Each year, volunteers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 11 million observations and identified 596 species!More >>
Friday, February 10 2012 4:45 PM EST2012-02-10 21:45:15 GMT
When you look up at the night sky, how many stars do you see? As cities and suburban communities grow, so does the amount of artificial light from things like street lights and billboards. Lots of nighttime lighting means that you can probably only see the brightest stars. While outdoor lighting helps humans see at night and stay safe, night lights can impact wildlife in other ways.More >>
Friday, January 27 2012 4:30 PM EST2012-01-27 21:30:13 GMT
Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen. Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.More >>
