Fall is a season that delights the senses. Brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson paint the landscape, crunchy leaves carpet the ground, and the crisp, earthy air reminds us that change is in full swing. But while we’re pulling out sweaters and sipping hot cider, millions of birds are embarking on one of nature’s most remarkable journeys.
Our Loess Hills region sits along the Central Flyway, a major migration route that follows the Missouri River Valley. Every fall, countless birds pass through on their way south to warmer climates—and your backyard can become an important rest stop along the way.
Creating a bird-friendly yard is easier than you might think. A bird bath provides fresh water for drinking and bathing, while native grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildflowers offer food, shelter, and a safe place to rest. If you’re interested in adding native plants to your landscape, the Loess Hills Wild Ones can guide you on getting started.
You can also lend a hand by helping care for local habitats. Volunteers are always welcome at community clean-up events, including the Loess Hills Wild Ones’ Adopt-a-Street cleanup along Lincoln Way near South Ravine Park (next cleanup: October 18), the Loess Hills Audubon Society’s Prairie Park cleanup at 3500 S. Lewis Boulevard on the third Wednesday of each month (next cleanup: October 21), and the Northwest Iowa Sierra Club and Strong Women of the Four Directions’ Perry Creek Trail cleanup on the 26th of each month.
Once you’ve created a welcoming habitat, it’s important to make it a safe one.
One of the biggest dangers to birds is free-roaming cats. Keeping cats indoors protects both birds and pets. In fact, cats are considered the leading human-related cause of bird deaths in the United States, with an estimated two billion birds killed each year.
Windows are another hidden hazard. Birds often mistake reflections of trees and sky for open space, leading to collisions that are often fatal. The good news? Simple, inexpensive window treatments can dramatically reduce these accidents without changing the look of your home. Members of the Loess Hills Audubon Society can assist in suggesting solutions.
Light pollution also takes a toll. Most songbirds migrate under the cover of darkness, and bright outdoor lighting can disorient them, causing exhaustion and increasing the risk of window strikes. During fall migration, from August 15 through November 15, consider turning off unnecessary outdoor lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and closing blinds or curtains whenever possible. A darker night sky can make a world of difference for migrating birds.
Want to experience migration up close? Celebrate Fall World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone State Park’s Pammel Valley Shelter. The Loess Hills Audubon Society will host guided bird walks, a relaxing Bird Sit, and a Hawk Watch, giving bird lovers of all ages a chance to witness the wonder of migration firsthand.
By Marla Kerr, Loess Hills Audubon Society Website Manager
