Caring for birds during migration

It is peak migration season, and a wonderful time to see well known birds returning and also to catch a glimpse of other birds we don’t usually see passing through. Birds travel at night, and stop down to replenish themselves with rest and food during the day.
With so many birds passing through it is a good time to make sure your windows are visible. Outside screens are excellent, otherwise streamers and lots of decals work, too, especially where windows masquerade as habitat by reflecting trees and shrubs.
Another way to help prevent bird collisions is to have bird feeders either very close to the windows (less than 10 feet), or more than 30 feet away.
While feeders are a wonderful way to get a close look at birds, keeping our gardens filled with a variety of plants is the best way to feed them. They need the protein from insects, especially when they are breeding.
Lights disorient migrating birds at night, so turning off your outdoor lights and even indoor lighting at night when you are not using them is a big help to them in maintaining their path.
Two awesome articles in the NYT about migration.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/actress-lili-taylors-essay-on-birdwatching/?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/05/04/nyregion/birdweek-forecast.html?src=recg

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