Swallows, hummingbirds, sparrows and warblers – as spring is in bloom, many songbirds from further south are flocking to Vancouver Island.
And an Island naturalist says area birdwatchers can attract birds to their backyards and keep them safe at this crucial period in their life.
“What you plant, having water structures” and keeping roaming cats from ruffling any feathers can attract more backyard birds, Ann Nightingale, vice president of Rocky Point Bird Observatory said.
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For instance, planting the native red flowering currants in Victoria’s West Shore and along the Oak Bay waterfront encourages the presence of rufous hummingbirds, one of the most abundant bird species migrating to the region during this time of year, she said.
“Native plants, especially, are good for native birds.”
Brightly colored flowers, such as fuschia, attract birds, as do Mountain Ash trees and “anything that bears fruit and seeds,” Nightingale said.
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Oftentimes, she added, backyard birds return home from their long journeys to their preferred roost.
Nightingale noted one hummingbird that was tagged had been found returning from Mexico to the same backyard eight years later. “Ones that are in your backyard, come back to your backyard.”
This time of year is “sensitive” for migrating birdlife, she said. That’s why, she added, keeping roaming cats under control is crucial.
“If a cat catches a bird right now, it’s probably dooming a nest.”
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swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com
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