With the arrival of spring and autumn, markets and cafes come alive with the migratory traffic of millions of tiny travelers. Among the incredible feats performed by these birds is the crossing of entire continents. These birds are challenged by extreme migratory paradoxes, such as reorienting using the stars, extreme fatigue, dangerous threats, and everything else in between. They are less heavy than your morning newspaper. Here is how you can make your backyard a safe haven for these migratory birds.

Native Berry Buffet

Wild berries are the perfect food for traveling. They have the nutrients that birds need to fly long distances! When birds migrate, dogwood, elderberry, and viburnum create fuel stops along the way. It̂s like the berries are a part of an amazing diner for the birds.

The Night Light No-Zone

Many species of birds migrate at night and are guided by the stars. Bright outdoor lighting can cause these birds to become disoriented like a person driving down the highway and seeing a confusing neon sign. You should keep your yard dark and use downward facing light fixtures to help birds navigate their celestial GPS system.

Moving Water Magic

For tired travelers, the sound of running water is as enticing as the ring of a dinner bell. The simplest way to add solar powered water fountain/bird dripper creates an instant magnet for migrating birds. After traveling hundreds of miles, the sound of water is as inviting as an oasis on a midnight highway.

Leaf Litter Left Alone

Fallen leaves can't be a mess, in fact, to some birds, fallen leaves are part of the treasure! Leaves provide a great source of protein for migrant birds such as the thrush, sparrow, and towhee. The leaves are decomposing which means they becomes the original fast food joint of nature! And with no raking needed!

Spider Web Sanctuary

The spider webs in your garden are protein-rich rest areas for migratory warblers and other small birds. These birds eat the mosquitoes, spiders, and other insects trapped in the web. It’s a roadside snack machine for birds traveling in the middle of nature!

The Dead Tree Revival

That old snag is not an eyesore, it is a high rise rest stop for travelers. Dead standing trees that snag give perfect perches for area scanning and for bad weather, the cavities offer emergency shelter. It is like having your own combo lookout tower and storm shelter.

Cat-Free Territory

A yard without cats is a safe resting place for birds that have escaped hawks, storms, and skyscrapers. If you keep your cats indoors, birds will appreciate the chance to stop and rest in your yard. You'll be providing a safe haven for weary migrants.

Window Warning Signals

Basic screen designs or decals help people traveling a long distance avoid accidents. Birds see barriers as they fly and window decals are like window screens. Visual barriers are like guard rails on a dangerous road.

Chemical-Free Zone

Birds can trust safely pesticide-free yard insects and so, migrating birds can eat insects, and have to almost double their body weight to make long flights, and insects that are contaminated are bad. Your Chemical free garden can be a trusted pit stop for them.

Dense Shrub Clusters

Shrubs growing close together can give migrant animals some immediate protection from inclement weather. During storms, the animals can use the shrubs for cover, which can be lifesaving. The shrubs offer protection similar to rest area shelter.

Fruit Tree Rest Stop

Various small fruiting trees act as vital rest points for migratory birds. Crabapple and cherry trees, for instance, offer a food and shelter stop along the birds' journeys.

The Meadow Edge

Letting a small part of your lawn grow into a meadow helps a very important feeding area for migratory grassland species. Lots of bugs are attracted and seeds are produced which serve as the energy food for the long trips. It's a bit like a seasonal menu full-service restaurant.

Dawn to Dusk Dining

Bird feeders can have a 24 hour diner feel as birds that eat at different times of day visit! Since birds migrate, they may eat and rest at different times of the day, so filling feeders from dawn to dusk gives all different birds the chance to enjoy them. Warblers are early morning eaters and thrushes enjoy their meals at dusk.

The Quiet Corner

The outside part of your yard is laying there doing nothign. Consider making this area a resting area for birds. By making this yard area a resting area for birds, you can provide a valuable service to our avian friends, giving them a spot to rest and recuperate from a long flight. It will also be undisturbed by human activity. I like to think of this area like a little relaxation room at an airport. People fly in and out of the airport, and the rapid turnover of guests can be incredibly tiring.

Rain Garden Refuge

Basic rain gardens create a safe retreat for travelers. Migrating birds can find food and take a bath in the shallow water area. This dip is purposely made to catch rainwater and can entice many insects and birds, due to the growth of drought resistant plants.