Fall Bird Feeding Guide

Fall is an important season for bird migration. For bird lovers, fall is not only a good time to continue feeding resident birds, but also provides a precious energy supply station for those passing birds migrating south.

Many friends ask: Do birds still visit my feeders when they migrate in the fall? Does feeding birds in the fall affect bird migration? And, what is the best time to feed birds in the fall? Today, we will take a deep dive into how to attract more birds to your feeders in the fall, as well as when to start and end fall bird feeding.

Some facts about fall bird feeding

Birds visit our feeders more in the fall, especially hummingbird feeders. These birds frequently come to the feeders in our yard not to avoid migration, but to prepare for long-distance migration.

As fall and winter approach, food becomes scarce and more difficult to find. Your outdoor bird feeders provide them with energy. So don’t be surprised by the large numbers of birds that gather near your feeders in the fall, and don’t let that stop you from feeding your birds in the fall. This won’t disrupt the birds’ habits, and they need outdoor bird feeders. Please support our feathered friends on their incredible journey.

When should you start feeding your birds in the fall?

The best time to start feeding your birds is when the weather starts to cool and the peak of bird migration arrives. Generally speaking, mid-September to early October is the best time to start in most parts of North America. At this time, many migratory birds will begin to migrate south, and you can add some high-energy food to your Dokoo bird feeder camera to help them reserve energy. For resident birds, they will gradually adapt to the food supply in the cold season.

You can also adjust your bird feeding time based on local bird activity. For example, when you observe an increase in migratory birds nearby, you can start providing ample food. In addition, if you live in a colder area, birds may begin to gather for food earlier, so you can start feeding your birds earlier.

When should you stop feeding your birds in the fall?

There is no hard and fast rule for when to end bird feeding in the fall, and it can be flexible based on bird activity, temperature changes, and personal preferences. Generally speaking, when the migration period ends and the local temperature approaches zero degrees, you can gradually reduce the amount of feeding and encourage the birds to find food on their own. Usually, November to early December is the right time to end bird feeding.

It should be noted that many resident birds, such as sparrows and finches, will stay in the north in winter. At this time, you can continue to provide them with food to keep them safe through the cold winter.

Benefits of feeding birds in autumn

Feeding birds in autumn can not only help birds get enough energy during migration, but also provide important nutritional support for birds living locally. Especially in late summer and early autumn, birds are in the molting period and need more protein and energy to maintain their health. The Dokoo bird feeder in autumn is like a “gas station” for birds, which is an important support for them to cope with the harsh environment.

Recommended food for feeding birds in autumn

The choice of food for feeding birds in autumn is particularly critical, mainly to provide high-energy food to help birds better resist cold weather and reserve enough energy to complete the migration journey. The following are some foods suitable for feeding birds in autumn:

• Sunflower seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds are rich in fat and protein, and are high-energy foods that birds like very much. Sunflower seeds have thin shells and are easy to peel, making them suitable for a variety of small birds.
• Peanuts and nuts: Shelled peanuts or crushed nuts are another ideal high-protein, high-fat food. They can provide birds with a long-term sense of fullness and sufficient energy, especially for woodpeckers, jays and other birds.
• Fruits and berries: Fruits and berries are abundant in nature in autumn, which can provide rich nutrition for birds. If you can provide dried fruits such as raisins and dried cranberries, birds will be happy to enjoy them.
• Millet and millet: These grain foods can attract birds such as sparrows and turtledoves. They are high in energy and easy to digest, making them suitable for many small birds.
• Animal fat blocks: In the fall and winter, animal fat blocks are an ideal high-energy supplement that can attract woodpeckers, finches, etc., helping them maintain body temperature and energy in cold weather.

How to choose the right fall feeder?

In order to welcome migratory and local birds in autumn, it is important to choose the right feeder. Different types of birds have their own preferred feeding methods. Here are several feeders suitable for feeding birds in autumn:

• Platform feeder: It can hold a variety of foods, including sunflower seeds, fruits, and fat blocks. The platform design makes it easy for many birds to eat, especially for sparrows, finches, and corvids.
• Tube feeder: This feeder can be loaded with small particles of food such as millet and sorghum, which is a good choice for attracting small birds. At the same time, its structure can prevent damage from large birds and squirrels.
• Fruit hook: You can hang fresh fruit or berry food on the fruit hook to attract birds such as jays and thrushes, satisfying their love of sweet fruits.
• Animal fat block rack: It is used to place animal fat blocks and is a very suitable feeder type in autumn and winter. It is especially suitable for birds such as woodpeckers and nutcrackers, which can obtain high-energy fat from it to resist the cold.

The Dokoo bird feeder has a U-shaped tube and platform design, which can hold a variety of specifications and types of food. It is easy to clean and allows migratory birds to eat the cleanest and freshest food. Dokoo bird feeder camera can detect and identify up to 2,000 species with AI, allowing you to fully observe different bird species during autumn migration, and the 2K camera can appreciate the beautiful figures of feathered friends up close.

Precautions for bird feeding in autumn

Keep the feeder clean: During autumn bird feeding, it is very important to clean the feeder. Check and clean the feeder frequently to prevent mold growth and food spoilage, and ensure that birds get fresh food.

Prevent interference from small animals such as squirrels and raccoons: Food supply begins to decrease in autumn, and small animals such as squirrels and raccoons may frequently visit your feeder. You can choose a feeder with a protective design. The Dokoo bird feeder camera can observe in real time whether there are other animals near the feeder, and the horn design can transmit your voice to drive them away.

Check the water source regularly: The air gradually dries in autumn, so make sure to provide sufficient water. You can set up a shallow water tray to provide clean drinking water for birds to help them stay energetic during the migration.

Reduce the frequency and amount of feeding: After the peak of fall migration, you can gradually reduce the frequency and amount of feeding. This will help birds return to their natural foraging patterns, especially for resident birds to adapt to the living environment in winter.

Summary

Feeding birds in the fall not only helps birds get more nutrition, but also gives bird lovers the opportunity to observe abundant bird activities. At this time of year, most parts of North America will usher in the peak of bird migration, and many migratory birds passing by will visit your feeder and become a landscape in your yard.

By providing appropriate high-energy food, you can help these birds replenish energy smoothly during migration, and also provide a warm harbor for resident birds. Choosing the right feeder, keeping it clean, and providing clean water are all key to making your feeder a bird migration station.

Feeding birds in the fall is not only a hobby, but also a way to live in harmony with nature. I hope this guide to feeding birds in the fall can help you better enjoy this wonderful time and become a warm supply station for birds on their migration journey!