Fall means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and, if you're lucky, plenty of feathered visitors passing through your backyard. Every year, millions of birds migrate south for the winter, and your yard can become an important pit stop along the way. These travelers need safe places to rest, refuel, and gather the energy they need to keep going.
A few simple changes can give birds the resources they need during migration and make your yard a whole lot more fun to watch from the window. But don't wait until fall is officially here to get started. "It's best to prep well before migration season—even months before!" says Erika Zambello, the communications director of Audubon Florida. "Birds moving through might be on a long journey, and creating resting and feeding spaces in your yard is critical."
Here are a few expert-backed things you can do now to make your backyard a better stop for migrating birds.
Plant Native Species That Produce Food in the Fall
A bird-friendly backyard starts with the right plants. Native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses can provide birds with valuable food and habitat as they make their way south. Zambello says to "Choose native plants that fruit or produce seeds in the fall.” This gives birds a natural food source during migration.
Not sure which plants are native to your area? Audubon's native plant database allows you to enter your ZIP code and find plants that are well suited to your location.
Skip the Pesticides
You might not love seeing bugs in your garden, but migrating birds certainly don't mind them. So, don't be too quick to reach for the spray. Those tiny garden visitors can play an important role in creating a bird-friendly backyard, especially during migration season. "Additionally, avoid pesticides—if your yard is a haven for insects, birds can get protein-rich meals before continuing on their migration pathway," Zambello says.
Keep Your Bird Feeders and Birdbaths Extra Clean
If you have bird feeders or a birdbath in your backyard, make sure they're ready for the busy migration period ahead. "Keep them extra clean!" she says. "If birds contract a bacterial, viral, or fungal disease during migration—a high energy period in their lives—it could be fatal."
Give your feeders and birdbath a thorough cleaning, and continue to keep them clean throughout migration season. Don't let old food, debris, or other buildup linger where birds gather. The same goes for any other natural food sources around your yard. Keeping the areas where birds feed and drink clean can help create a healthier environment for your feathered visitors.
Turn Off Your Lights at Night
Your backyard can be a great resource for migrating birds during the day, but it's also necessary to think about what happens after the sun goes down. Many birds migrate at night, and artificial light can disrupt their journey. "It's important to turn out your lights or draw down your shades during migration," Zambello says. "The nighttime light can be disorienting to them."
And this is one change that can extend beyond your own backyard. "Encourage local businesses to do the same!" she adds. You can learn more about Audubon's Lights Out efforts and how reducing nighttime light can help migrating birds.
Keep Your Cats Indoors
If you have an outdoor cat, migration season is a good reminder to keep your feline friend inside. Cats that roam outdoors can pose a serious threat to birds, including those stopping in your yard to rest and feed. "Cats roaming outside are always a problem, so keep your cats indoors," Zambello says. "It's healthier for your kitties too!"
So get your backyard ready now, then grab your binoculars and keep an eye out. You never know which feathered travelers might visit your yard this fall—especially once it’s a safer, more useful stop along a long migration journey.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
