September is a month that is generally full of all kinds of changes. Notably, children are going back to school and the days are quickly getting shorter and cooler.
Autumn is definitely in the air and I know I have already been witness to the geese starting to gather and fly in their typical V-formation.
Birds that have spent the better part of the summer in the north are preparing themselves for the long trek back to their southern winter spots. But, and here's the important part, it is a long way for them to go and they need our help.
Typically we are all familiar with the Geese that make their way to the south, but there are a host of other birds that also migrate. According to Cornell Labs there are about 650 species of birds in North American and about half of those are migratory.
Why do they migrate? Most of these birds leave their resting places to move north to their breeding grounds. This is hard work for the birds, but instincts make them do this perilous journey at least twice a year.
Many of us wait eagerly for those pretty little hummingbirds that make their way to the north and we do fill our feeders with sugar water to satisfy their hunger. But in September, you might just notice that those feeders are being visited more often. Even though there are plenty of flowers for them to feed on, they know they will be making a long trek soon. They are filling up their reserves for that journey. So please don't stop filling your hummingbird feeders just yet.
Most North American songbirds are migratory. Yet there are other bigger birds that also move from the north to the south in the cooler autumn months.
Let's concern ourselves with the smaller birds for now. How can you help them?
- Keep your feeders full of good nutritious seeds is the first way to help.
- Make sure there is a good clean source of water for them too. All that flying around is hard work.
- Gardeners, please leave your seed heads in place! Don't clean up your garden just yet! Migratory birds love sunflowers, but will also eat seeds from other plants as well. A natural garden will attract those little birds quite nicely.
Learning about these migratory birds and what their needs are will make them happy to stop at your yard for some refreshment and food.
Birdwatching is a hobby that you will keep at for years and years. Start small and see how much enjoyment you get from seeing with your own eyes, the birds that make these treks across miles and miles. Start your list and add to it as you become accustomed to finding these little winged creatures.
I'm not an avid bird watcher, but I certainly enjoy seeing the different species fly past when migrating. My Rose of Sharon has already been host for several hummingbirds and she awaits more. You made me wish to set aside my work for the day, grab some binoculars and head for my favorite trails with my camera. Thanks for the reminders to keep clean water and food available for the beautiful creatures of the sky!
ReplyDeleteBird migration is as much a part of the changing seasons as changes in weather systems. Good tips on helping our feathered friends on their seasonal journeys.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great tips. I love watching the birds.
ReplyDeleteMy in-laws spend all but the winter months at their lakeside cottage in Maine, about 30 minutes from Augusta. The lake and the surrounding woods create a glorious view from the elevated back deck, which is where John’s parents spend much of their time and eat most of their meals. My mother-in-law always keeps the hummingbird feeder on the deck filled with fresh nectar and we have enjoyed many a pleasant meal watching the beautiful hummingbirds sipping as we supped. In fact, we gave his mom two new hummingbird feeders for Christmas that, fortunately, the hummers seem to like. Thanks so much for the great tips about how to help our feathered friends stay watered and nourished during their long, annual migratory journeys!
ReplyDeleteMy friends are avid bird watchers. Excellent tips here. We have a lot of birds, making a ton of noise in our backyard, lol - I have no idea which is which - but we have cardinals and blue jays - and other smaller birds too - they can be quite noisy. My step grandson had a book that made bird noises and he was hitting the buttons and the birds in the backyard were going bananas talking back - was so funny.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for thinking about birds in the fall!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that gardeners should leave those seed heads and not tidy up straight away in September, as in addition to bird feeders, they are a valuable source of food for hungry birds.A source of clean water is a must as well and can make such a difference to the birds. I love bird watching and never tire of appreciating these beautiful and fascinating creatures.
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