In September through mid-October, we see peak nocturnal bird migration numbers in our area. In one recent night alone, 25,700 birds crossed Montgomery County.
More than 36 million have flown over our mountains this season so far. But their journey is treacherous. Virginia Tech experts Dana Hawley and Ashley Dayer explain the threats birds face during migration, and what we can do to help them get where they are going.
What are the major threats migrating birds face?
“Birds face a variety of threats during migration — collisions with windows, communications towers, and wind turbines; light pollution that disorients them; habitat loss or degradation in their migration stopover areas; human disturbance while feeding at stopover areas; predators; and storms,” Dayer said.
How can we help them get where they are going safely?
“The three most important things you can do for birds this time of year are to keep cats indoors, turn your lights off, and use window mitigation,” Hawley said.
Dayer further explained that turning lights off at night during migration will keep migrating birds from becoming disoriented or attracted to a window.
“Birds collide with windows when they can’t see them or even worse are attracted to them because of reflections of plants or the sky,” Dayer said. “This happens during the day, as well as at night during migration when lights disorient birds or if fog is causing them to fly low.”
To avoid daytime window collisions, place bird feeders within three feet of the window or further than 30 feet away. It’s also useful to treat windows with screens, UV tape, or closely spaced cords.
“Leaving fallen logs and piles of sticks in your yard can also help by providing protective shelter for birds as they migrate through,” Hawley said.
Are there certain types of security lights that are better for birds?
“The best light is no light. So, if you don’t need it, turn it off during migration. Or put your light on a motion sensor or timer so it’s only on when you actually need it. Close your blinds so home lights aren’t visible. If you must leave a light on, use warm-colored lights with shields that face downward,” Dayer said.
What about bird feeders during this time? Yay or nay?
“Sure thing! Enjoy these visitors as they pass through. But feed responsibly! Clean your feeders regularly, follow window guidance, and keep your cats indoors,” Dayer said.
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