With the main migratory bird season happening now, there are some ways that people can attract these unique visitors to stop by their homes and places to see these birds.

Jefferson resident bird expert Matt Wetrich says while bird feeders that have seeds and nuts are good ways to bring migratory birds to your yard, what is even better is having native trees.

“They play host to native insects and it doesn’t mean if you have a native tree your yard is going to be full of bugs that you don’t want, that’s not how it is. We see native trees hosting the most migratory species, as far as like the warblers, and tangiers, and orioles, and buntings, and all that stuff. And that really is the next big level after plants is insects. And so if you want cool birds you’ve got to have native plants, native trees especially, native bushes, native flowers, but the (native) trees host the most (birds).  

Wetrich points out having bird baths is also beneficial for birds that are on the move up to the northern portions of the country and into Canada as a way for them to drink and cool off. He adds local areas where people can see birds that are passing through include Dunbar Slough, Seven Hills Park, Snake Creek and along the Raccoon River.