Each spring, millions of migrating birds travel through Texas. Our state plays an important role in bird migration because of its key geographical location. Positioned at the merging of two major migratory flyway areas—Central and Mississippi—Texas offers migrating birds an exclusive pathway between their breeding and wintering areas.
Birds migrate during the following periods:
Spring Migration Dates*
• Full Spring Migration Period: March 1 – June 15
• Spring Peak Migration Period: April 22 – May 12
Fall Migration Dates*
• Full Fall Migration Period: August 15 – November 30
• Fall Peak Migration Period: September 5 – October 29
*Exact migration dates vary from year to year.
During migration periods, there are simple steps we can take to prevent bird fatalities, minimize accidents, and make their journey easier.
Many migrating birds travel at night, using the light of the moon and stars to travel. As they pass over cities, they can become disoriented by the artificial lights and glow of a big city skyline. They get lost, flustered, and exhausted from trying to communicate and get back on track. It also causes them to crash into buildings or windows which leads to high fatalities.
Help birds and conserve energy by turning off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during migration season. Avoid using landscape lights in trees where birds nest. For essential lights, use motion detectors so lights turn on only when needed. Aim your essential lights down, and don’t forget to close your blinds at night to minimize light from windows.
Large windows or sliding doors can be hazardous for migrating birds, as birds can’t see glass. Place decals or other markers on windows to prevent bird collisions. You can get the kids involved with homemade window decal tutorials like this one, with items found around the house.
Flying requires lots of energy, and providing high-quality food through feeders can help birds fuel up for their destination. If you can, try providing mealworms or suet (fat) for added nutrition. For watering stations, install bird baths or shallow dishes and keep them clean. There are simple feeders you can create yourself using eco-friendly materials.
Creating shelter can be done in various ways. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide natural shelter and nesting spots. Install birdhouses and nest boxes designed for specific birds, away from predators and human disturbance.
Keep your backyard tidy. Implement waste management practices to prevent litter and pollution including proper disposal of garbage and recycling. Cleanliness reduces the risk of disease and makes your space more appealing to birds. Don’t forget to manage and control invasive plants that can degrade bird habitats.
Minimize the use of pesticides in your garden and yard to maintain a bird-friendly environment. Find more information on managing lawn problems without pesticides in the Guide to Yard Care.
Understand the migratory patterns and specific needs of the bird species in your region to tailor your backyard preparations accordingly. You can sign up for migration forecasts in your area at the Birdcast website.
By implementing these measures, you can help make the journey easier for migrating bird populations. For more resources on how to support bird migration or to find migration dates, check out the Lights Out, Texas! campaign.
