During the peak of fall migration, birds are on the move every day. Not all birds migrate so those that are left behind will need a steady source of food to keep them healthy. For birds that are migrating, they will need to stock up on plenty of energy for their trip.
Read on for easy projects you can do before the snow starts falling to ensure great bird-watching in the months ahead.
- Double the number of seed and suet feeders around your yard, as birds are currently flocking and there are many mouths to feed.
- Stockpile all types of sunflower seeds. These offer the greatest amount of energy for the birds of fall and winter.
- Check the condition of feeders and squirrel baffles to make sure they will make it through the winter. Replace the ones you can’t repair.
- In the North, switch exclusively to suet and a few types of birdseed, as the birds that enjoy fruit and insects have gone south for the winter.
- Protect stored bird food by securing it in waterproof garbage cans. Place bricks or bungee cords on top of lids to keep out raccoons and squirrels.
- Shut down birdbaths and ponds after the last migrants have passed through, unless you live in a frost-free zone. Otherwise, an electric bird bath heater may be used to attract thirsty birds.
- Clean your birdhouses. To remove parasites and insects, clean with a solution of soap, water and 10% bleach.
- Leave up a couple of birdhouses to serve as weatherproof roosting sites for chickadees, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
- During your fall yard cleanup, collect woody plant clippings to create brush piles. These will protect ground birds and other wildlife.
- Plant a few evergreen trees and/or shrubs around feeders to help birds hide from predators, and to offer security during cold winter nights.
