Fall migration turns many local backyards into potential pit stops for birds on the move, and a few smart tweaks can make yours irresistible. As nesting season wraps up, birds are shifting from raising families to finding food and safety for the months ahead.

Many birds begin traveling in flocks, teaming up with their own species, or joining mixed groups of birds that forage together and learn new ways to find food.

“Your yard can be exactly what they’re looking for and will become part of that daily routine,” according to information from Jeff and Joann Royer, owners of Murfreesboro’s Wild Birds Unlimited nature shop.

Fall is also prime time to refresh bird feeding setups.

“Be sure to clean and repair feeders and make sure they are easy to refill during the winter months. It is vital to keep food fresh and consistent so passing birds remember your yard as a reliable stop,” the Royers advise. “When the colder weather hits, they will come back looking for what they know.”

Finally, do not underestimate the importance of providing water. A moving water source is one of the strongest bird magnets in a yard. The sound alone can pull migrating birds down to investigate, giving them a place to drink, bathe and maintain healthy feathers for the long flight ahead.

Not only can we enjoy migrating birds as they pass through our area, but we can play a role in their survival by helping them conserve and replenish their energy supply during their journey.

To learn more about how small seasonal changes can make an enormous difference for migrating birds, visit your backyard bird feeding specialists at Wild Birds Unlimited, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite 1060, in Murfreesboro, or visit its website at wbu.com/murfreesboro and shop online at mywbu.com/murfreesboro.