One morning earlier this week when I step outside I was greeted to the song of a Louisiana water thrush. This was the first northbound migrant that has shown up in my yard this year. The only times I see or hear it is during the spring.
Most of us only see many of these migratory birds during migration. One reason why most of these birds are undetected is that they rarely, if ever, eat food at our feeders. As such, one of the best ways you can help the birds and give yourself a chance these see these beautiful birds is to provide them with water.
Migrants bathe and drink water. Without it, they cannot successfully navigate. Migrants will drink at small backyard ponds and birdbaths alike. If you want to boost your chances of seeing a migrant at a birdbath, install a dripper or mister—moving water acts like a magnet to migrants and resident birds alike.
With that in mind, during the next couple of months a steady stream of potential backyards guests such as warblers, tanagers, vireos, and thrushers will be arriving or passing through the state… If you offer them with water, you are giving them a reason to land in your backyard. If you do, don’t be surprised if you add a half dozen or more birds to your yard list.
