For residents of Georgia, the best springtime symphony can often be found in the back yard where songbirds and other species serenade us during their annual visit. Known as neotropical migrants, these winged travelers set up temporary housekeeping in our trees, eaves and shrubs as they travel distances up to 1200 miles toward tropical winter destinations in Central and South America and the islands of the Caribbean. Orioles, warblers, tangers and hummingbirds are a few of the more recognizable species to look for as the days get warmer.
More than 90 species of migratory birds flock to our landscape for food and shelter during their annual migrations. Fifty-four of these species stay long enough to build nests and raise their young before moving on toward the equator. While most of these species are still fairly common, loss of the appropriate type of habitat for wintering, breeding and nesting has significantly reduced the number of these beautiful birds. By simply being aware of what migratory birds needs, you can make an important contribution to the life cycle of these seasonal travelers.
The first step in creating a feather friendly environment is to take a look at your own back yard. Have you planted a variety of native trees, flowers and shrubs to provide birds with food and shelter? Flowers are a valuable source of food for birds, petunias, cosmos, four o'clocks, verbena and zinnias are just a few that continue to provide food even after the blooms have faded and died.
Other steps you can take to attract migratory birds to your yard include:
- Accent a shady area with a birdbath or fountain with circulating water; birds thrive in a habitat with a clean source of water.
- Stock birdfeeders regularly with seed.
- Keep your cat indoors as much as possible.
- Avoid chemical pesticides
Remember, migratory birds are headed south, and there are additional steps you can take to protect their final tropical destinations. If you are a coffee drinker, seek out shade-grown coffees. When grown under a canopy of trees in harmony with other vegetation, coffee is an environmentally friendly crop which does not require drastic clear cutting that decimates the rain forest. During the l990's, a team from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center identified 150 species of migratory birds on shade coffee farms in Mexico. Unfortunately, in recent years, more and more coffee growers have begun cultivating coffee in the sun for higher yields. These sun grown coffee plantations are nearly devoid of birds, and also use much higher ratios of agrochemicals that can kill birds, and damage the environment.
Georgia is fortunate to have an agency dedicated to the conservation of migratory birds. Founded in l990, Partner in Flight works to reverse the decline of migratory bird populations and to safeguard existing birds for the benefit of future generations. For further information, contact Georgia Partners in Flight at 912-994-1438.