2025 Backyard Migration Corridor Challenge: Build a Bird Oasis on a $100 Budget

Hey there, fellow bird lovers!

If you’ve ever stopped to watch a flock of geese fly overhead, or spotted a hummingbird flitting through your garden, you know how magical the migration season can be. But here’s the thing: our feathered friends are facing tougher journeys than ever. Habitat loss, climate shifts, and urban sprawl are turning their ancient flight paths into obstacle courses. That’s why conservation groups are rallying everyday folks like us to join the ​2025 Backyard Migration Corridor Challenge—a grassroots effort to turn neighborhoods into pit stops for tired travelers with wings.

The best part? You don’t need a big yard or a fat wallet to make a difference. Let’s break down how to create a bird-friendly refuge for under $100.

Why Backyard Corridors Matter

Migrating birds don’t just need food and water—they need safe spaces to rest and recharge. Think of your yard as a tiny motel along a highway. A single shrub, a dish of fresh water, or a well-placed feeder could mean the difference between survival and exhaustion for species like warblers, thrushes, and even raptors. According to the Audubon Society, over 60% of North American migratory bird populations have declined since the 1970s. Your backyard could literally help reverse that trend.

The $100 Blueprint: Smart Spending for Maximum Impact

1. Start with the Basics: Food & Water ($50)

• Seed Strategy (30): **Skipfancyblends.Blackoilsunflowerseedsattractthewidestvarietyofspecies,whilea5 mesh bag of oranges (halved and skewered) will draw orioles. Buy in bulk at hardware stores or co-ops.

• Water Station (20): Ashallowceramicplantsaucer(under10 at garden centers) works better than most birdbaths. Add a few stones for grip and refresh water daily to prevent mosquitoes.

2. Shelter & Safety ($30)

• DIY Brush Pile ($0): Stack fallen branches, dried leaves, or trimmed shrubs in a quiet corner. It’s a free hideout for ground feeders like sparrows.
• ​Native Plants ($30): Grab one or two nursery-markdown native shrubs like serviceberry or elderberry. They’re low-maintenance and provide natural food sources.

3. The Feeder Factor ($20)

This is where a feeder like PerchMe’s Classic Feeder comes in handy. At $19.99, it’s a no-frills, practical feeder designed to handle backyard traffic without breaking your budget. Made from all metal (goodbye, rainy season worries), and with a large 3.75LB capacity, you won’t have to worry about running out of food all the time. Pair it with black oil sunflower seeds, and you’ve got a 24/7 meal service for your winged guests.

Pro tip: If you want to upgrade later, our Smart Feeder ($129) offers extra features like AI bird recognition and squirrel resistance—but for this challenge, stick with the Classic to stay under $100. Spend every dollar wisely!

What NOT to Do

• ​Avoid "Birdscaping" Overkill: Glittery ornaments or excessive feeders stress birds. Keep it simple.
• ​Skip Pesticides: A single neonicotinoid-treated plant can poison hundreds of insects—a critical protein source for migrants.
• ​Don’t Obsess Over Perfection: A "messy" yard with leaf litter and weeds often supports more life than a manicured one.

Why PerchMe Cares
We’re a small team of bird nerds who built our feeder because we wanted something durable enough for year-round use (yes, squirrels hate it). But here’s the truth: you don’t need our product to join this movement. Use a repurposed mug, a hanging pie tin, or that feeder your neighbor gave you. What matters is ​showing up.

Ready to Be a Bird Hero?
The 2025 challenge isn’t about competing—it’s about connecting. Every seed, puddle, and untamed corner adds up. So grab your gloves, stretch that $100, and let’s make sure no wingbeat goes unsupported.

See you in the (migration) trenches,
The PerchMe Crew