{"id":4065,"date":"2015-09-25T21:35:06","date_gmt":"2015-09-25T21:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thebackyardnaturalist.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=4065"},"modified":"2024-08-30T15:29:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T19:29:42","slug":"backyard-birders-guide-to-fall-migration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thebackyardnaturalist.com\/wordpress\/resources\/backyard-birders-guide-to-fall-migration\/","title":{"rendered":"Backyard Birder’s Guide to Fall Migration"},"content":{"rendered":"

That first hint of autumn is in the air and wild birds are on the move!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unlike that mad rush in Spring to nest, wild birds have varying calendars for Fall Migration<\/strong>. With the longer, drawn-out timetable, backyard birders have great opportunities to catch sight of unusual guests<\/em> at feeders and bird baths.<\/p>\n

Even though as birders, we love this exciting time of year, some of our usual guests are preparing to disappear\u2014or have already quietly disappeared\u2014without saying goodbye. To all the Catbirds<\/strong>, Orioles<\/strong>, Hummingbirds<\/strong>, Purple Martins<\/strong>, Swallows<\/strong> and others, we wish you a safe journey and look forward to your return in spring. We will miss you!<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, we look forward to the ever-changing roster of new visitors now passing through. The Backyard Naturalist has been monitoring regional Fall Migration forecasts through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/strong>\u2018s incredible and comprehensive BirdCast<\/a>. If you haven\u2019t seen this site yet, you are in for a treat. It\u2019s the best place to be in-the-know; find out who\u2019s here, who\u2019s on the way and when favorite birds are expected.<\/p>\n

Right now, Warblers<\/strong> are a total delight and the arrival of our beloved Dark-eyed Juncos<\/strong> and White-throated Sparrows<\/strong> who will stay until next spring is highly anticipated. How can we attract our favorite birds to visit our backyards? There are several things you can do to entice migratory birds:<\/p>\n

food<\/a><\/h1>\n

Stocking feeders with nutritious and desirable high-fat seed<\/strong>, such as black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and nyjer nourish migrants and residents all year round. White millet can be added this time of year as an added temptation for your ground feeding Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows.<\/p>\n

Grow native plants! <\/strong> In particular, those producing fruit, seeds and berries. Native plants are also a haven for tasty insects which so many migrants, particularly the Warblers, THRIVE on. The benefits of native planting are too many to list here. (Topic for another time. But, for more info check out Gardening for the Birds: How to Create a Bird-Friendly Backyard<\/strong> by George Adams<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

Did you know that birds are pollinators, too? Find out how you can support them and others, like bees, butterflies and bats. See Support Our Native Pollinators<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Feedinghttps:\/\/thebackyardnaturalist.com\/wordpress\/resources\/backyard-birders-guide-to-fall-migration\/Learn more about feeding wild birds here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

water<\/a><\/h1>\n

Keeping your water sources fresh and available is critical<\/strong> and may also bring you unexpected rewards. In most cases, migrant birds are not feeder visitors, but all seek and require water. Last year we were blessed with, simultaneously<\/strong>, a Red-eyed Vireo<\/strong>, a female American Redstart<\/strong>, an Ovenbird<\/strong> and a Brown Thrasher<\/strong> splashing in our suburban backyard bird bath!!! We were too stunned to race for the camera!<\/p>\n

So, trust us. Keep an eye on your bird baths.<\/strong> It\u2019s best to have your binoculars, guide books and cameras, close to your window. If you see a bird that\u2019s a little different from normal visitors, it probably is<\/em> different. Grab those binoculars and look closely! You never know who\u2019s going to show up this time of year! We can never underestimate how necessary our backyard habitats are to birds while on their long journeys. Wouldn\u2019t you like to find a great little B&B during a trip like this, too?<\/p>\n

\"WaterLearn more about water and wild birds here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

Shelter<\/a><\/h1>\n

Regardless of differing food preferences, all wild birds need the safe haven and respite<\/strong> that a backyard habitat provides during this most active, and potentially perilous time, in their life cycles!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t rake so fast! Leaf litter has benefits for wild birds.<\/strong> Your backyard leaf piles host a bounty of insects and retain essential water. A layer of leaves is also shelter with both camouflage from predators and insulation during bad weather. Ground feeders, like the Dark-eyed Junco and White-throated Sparrow will appreciate it.<\/p>\n

Create a brush pile<\/strong>. A pile of fallen branches and pruning remainders can provide shelter, even during bad weather.<\/p>\n

Clean out your bird houses<\/strong>, if you haven\u2019t already. When cold weather hits, small birds like Chickadees, Titmice and Bluebirds will appreciate the shelter.<\/p>\n

\"WaterLearn more about sheltering wild birds here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

Identifying Wild Birds<\/h4>\n

If you don\u2019t have a guide already, here are a few of our favorite go-to resources:<\/p>\n