Leaves changing color and birds migrating are just two signs of fall coming. Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer advise everybody to go out into nature and watch.
Fall migration period is a wonderful time for bird watchers to see many different species of birds that are not typically seen throughout the year.
Keffer says, however, the migration started in July. Birds travel south at different times based on their habitats, food requirements but most importantly, photo periods, which is how long the length of the days are.
Tornio says that to look for migrating birds, use your own backyard or go to nature centers. However, her favorite place to look is along the lake front, especially along the Oak Leaf Trail.
If you want to bring birds to your own backyard, think of what birds need in order for healthy travel. Keffer advises to get a bird bath, food, water and some shelter like a bird house. For example, if you want to attract hummingbirds, put out some sugar water into the hummingbird feeder. They need a lot of energy and nutrients to fly across the Gulf of Mexico.
Stacy Tornio is the editor of Birds & Blooms Magazine. Ken Keffer is a naturalist and author of a new book, The Kids' Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things to Do in Nature Before You Grow Up. Tornio and Keffer both run the site Destination Nature.