Birds winging their way North.

• Position: Migration

In much of the U.S., May is peak migration month. Birds of every kind--songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds--will be flying from their winter homes in the south to their summer breeding grounds in places as far north as the Arctic. Along the way, they encounter many perils, including bright lights, tall buildings, predators, and toxic lawns.

However, people can help ensure a safer journey for migrating birds. Backyards and parks, often key stopover points for many species, can become bird-friendly rest areas with a few simple steps. Audubon urges people to take the following actions this spring:

* Reduce or eliminate pesticide and herbicide use. Employing fewer chemicals in your yard and home helps keep wildlife, pets, and people healthy.

* Plant native vegetation, which provides birds with food in the form of fruit and seeds, and also is home to tasty invertebrates like bugs and spiders.

* Keep cats inside to ensure that birds outdoors stay safe. Cats benefit, too, as indoor felines live much longer than those that go outside.

* Prevent collisions by making sure birds can see (and avoid) your windows by putting up screens, closing drapes and blinds when you leave the house, or sticking multiple decals on the glass. (Decals need to be spaced closely to be effective--no more than two to four inches apart.)

* Provide cover in your backyard. Leave snags for nesting places and stack downed tree limbs to create a brush pile, which...