As we head into fall, take some time to help with bird counts and enjoy the birds. Migration is well underway at this time of year, not so much by what you have or don’t have in your bird feeder, but by daylight levels, climate and instinct.
I live where there are bears so we’re advised to take down our feeders by the end of March and not put them up again until after hibernation. My husband recently filled our feeder-it’s located where bears can’t reach it-and I’m amazed how many birds have shown up.
I happened on an article that pointed out that Migrating birds require tons of calories for the energy necessary to fly hundreds or thousands of miles, and feeders can provide an energy boost to passing migrants as well as help resident birds build up fat reserves for their journey or to survive falling temperatures.
It is also a myth that there simply aren't birds around to feed in the fall. While many birds rely less on feeders in autumn because of the natural harvest abundance of wild berries, fruits, grains and seeds, bird feeders will still see plenty of activity. Backyard flocks will change as some resident birds leave for migration and more northern migrants arrive, but they will all welcome the opportunity to find an easy snack at bird feeders.
Wild birds are already making decisions about which back yards they will visit this winter, so if you want to watch the birds this winter, you may want to start putting out feed, unless you have bear issues.
Fall bird counts happen in September so check the following:
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.
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