Migrants are arriving daily! The Backyard Naturalist has been eagerly checking progress via the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdCast<\/a><\/strong> and our own backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The BirdCast interactive map tracks nocturnal Spring Migration in real time<\/em> , thanks to the U.S. weather surveillance radar network. There are frequently updated regional statistics for each species<\/strong> as sightings increase and decrease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The BirdCast team has added a new feature that is truly mind-boggling: the number of birds in flight at any given point in time. By the millions. <\/em><\/strong>This is just one feature among many that will continue to inspire every birder and citizen scientist year round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See BirdCast’s ‘primer for using weather surveillance radar to study bird migration<\/a>‘ to find out how truly powerful this resource is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If anticipation isn’t already high enough for Spring Migration arrivals, Cornell Lab BirdCast<\/strong> also forecasts wild bird movements<\/a> for the week ahead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know who’s here and who’s on the way, here’s how you get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The statistics and reports indicate your favorite out-of-town guests have arrived, but you may be wondering why you’re not seeing them<\/strong> at your backyard feeders. Please don’t feel snubbed or disheartened if your regular feeder contents aren’t attracting crowds of Orioles, Warblers or Vireos as they arrive. It’s not you. There are reasons for this and there are other things you can do to improve your chances to see these birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these migrating songbirds won’t be tempted by your regular seed or suet feeders (Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted and Evening Grosbeaks among the delightful exceptions), as they are seeking insects and berries<\/strong> to eat after their long journeys. Offer mealworms<\/strong>, jelly<\/strong>, or fruit<\/strong> as a temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, you have absolutely nothing to lose by trying, as your regular visitors will definitely appreciate the treats. (Note: Please keep feeding all your regulars<\/strong>! And clean your feeders, too! Remember, it’s nesting season and that takes a phenomenal amount of energy!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n We just can’t say it enough. Accessible water is always critical in any season! For a migrating bird, your bird bath is the best invitation<\/strong> you can give.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Hey, you’d want a cool drink and a bath, too, if you’d just flown 3,000 miles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s time to clean out your bird baths<\/strong>, fountains or trays and keep them filled with fresh water<\/strong>. Keep an eye on the water level, as you may get some exuberant splashers! Check every day to make sure the water remains fresh, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First off, if you don’t have a water source for wild birds in your backyard, what are you waiting for? This is one of the easiest<\/em> and most important ways we can support the well-being of our wild bird population<\/strong> year round. Just add water! You will be rewarded with visits from wild birds that you’ll never see at a feeder… ALL birds need water and they need it ALL year round. (For more info, read our articles about Wild Birds, Water and Winter<\/a> or Wild Birds, Summer and Water<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Secondly, with a bird bath near your window, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to observe wild birds and their behavior up close. Don’t miss out on the fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, by adding just two other humble elements, every backyard can be a haven for wild birds\u2014no matter the scale or level of effort! See our resource section on Backyard Habitats<\/a> for some simple and easy tips to help get your habitat under way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your binoculars<\/strong> and your camera<\/strong> are handy, right by the window. You may need to move quickly to get a good view. Can you identify your visitor? Knowing is part of the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good birding guide<\/strong> is indispensable and will really enhance your birding experience, so keep it handy, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Smartphone app:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID<\/a> For all levels of bird watchers from beginners to expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And it’s FREE! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended guide books:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The absolute best online resource for birders:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve made an ID<\/strong>, finding out the distance this amazing bird has just flown to get to your backyard is astonishing and humbling to consider. Investigating further, and we promise you will be glad you did, you are bound to find other amazing things to ponder, even some unexpected wonders about wild birds you see every day in your yard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, keep in mind, you may not be able to get a visual<\/strong> on a wild bird you suspect is nearby. For example, even though you are looking your hardest, you will likely hear<\/em> a Baltimore Oriole<\/a> before you see<\/em> a Baltimore Oriole. Like many others, they tend to forage up higher and in denser foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Water is the key!<\/strong> Your bird bath may tempt birds you’ll never attract with your feeders. We don’t recommend climbing trees<\/strong> to find out who’s visiting your backyard. There’s a better way to find out who’s there and what they’re up to \u2014 without disrupting their<\/em> business or breaking your arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bird sounds this time of year are beyond insane!<\/strong> As migratory birds head north, their vocalizations get more frequent and intensify as they get closer to their destinations. In addition to this building crescendo, our local residents who’ve been here the entire time are now singing with all their might to attract mates<\/strong> and define territories<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, there’s a lot of communicating going on! If you’ve ever stopped to wonder what all the ruckus is about, identifying birds (and their behavior) by their unique calls<\/strong> is a challenge you’ll enjoy. (Especially enjoyable from your backyard hammock while your eyes are closed. Another great tip from your friends at The Backyard Naturalist<\/strong>! You’re welcome.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/strong> website hosts an awesome reference that will help you differentiate the varying calls of each species, with detailed information about wild bird songs<\/a>\u2014and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Macaulay Library<\/a> is the world’s largest archive of wildlife sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Bird Sounds Collections on CD<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended bird sound apps for your mobile device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be where the action’s happening!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our area\u2019s natural spaces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join an organized field trip, bird walk or bird count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Backyard Naturalist’s Weekly Bird Walks Follow our Facebook page for birding opportunities<\/a>. See the results (our Facebook gallery of bird walk photos) for yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a fascinating, real-time overview of migrating birds on the move, don’t miss The Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/strong>‘s Live Migration Map<\/a>. Watch an animated view of three days of bird movement, as tracked by the US weather surveillance network. You can really get a sense of the amazing, and sometimes perilous, journeys made by our migrating birds twice a year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wild birds flying thousands of miles to get here, defending territories, nesting, brooding… Does it get any better than this??!! It’s plenty of excitement to spark the interest of a young naturalist<\/strong>. A children’s guide to birding and a pair of inexpensive, junior binoculars might be just the right inspiration to get a potential Birder hooked! (See more for Junior Birders here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share your sightings and photos<\/strong> with other Maryland birders on MD Birders Facebook page<\/a>. Birding novices and experts alike post questions, advice, sightings, photos and more on this dynamic and very active Facebook page.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEver wondered how many birds are in the air at any given time during Spring Migration? BirdCast has an answer for you.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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How to Get the Most Fun Out of Spring Migration Birding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It’s Not Just About Food<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hint: Water, Water, Water, WATER<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/thebackyardnaturalist.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/TheBYN-Water-Wild-Birds-Habitat-Grey-Catbird-Birdbath_m.png\")
<\/figure>Water! The Easy Jumpstart for Your Backyard Micro-Habitat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here’s Where the Fun Really Starts During Spring Migration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Watch and Be Ready<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Identifying Wild Birds by Sight (and Sound!)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Try the Merlin Bird ID Wizard. By answering three questions from Merlin, you’ll be offered a list of possible matches for the bird you’re seeing. Or, identify by sound if the bird isn’t visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
*This is our personal favorite, but another one might be the right one for you. When asked for a recommendation, we always say, “Find one that sings to you<\/em>!”. The right field guide will be your best friend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Excellent for junior birders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
The More You Learn About Birds and Spring Migration,
The More Your Mind Will Boggle!<\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou’re Sure They’re There Somewhere<\/em>, But Can’t Spot Them<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Female](\"https:\/\/thebackyardnaturalist.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/Female-Baltimore-Oriole-300x200.jpg\")
<\/figure>
Female Baltimore Oriole visits Tom’s backyard bird bath.
Photo by Tom Wildoner, via flickr<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nListen and Locate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Identifying Wild Birds by Sound<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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This is THE original that everyone emulated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Peterson ups the game with more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n
Go Wild! Hit the Hotspots<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Share the Experience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n