Most of us identify prime bird watching season during the spring and summer months, but the fall is sometimes overlooked by many. The early-mid fall season can provide some great opportunities to see new and regular birds alike, and its temperatures can make it a more enjoyable experience for spending a long period of time outdoors.
Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to think about this fall:
Migrating Birds
Top up those feeders as we head into September, and keep your eyes peeled for species you might not otherwise see around your feeders. Now is a great time to get a glimpse of transient species as they make their way south from more northern locales. Suet, sunflower seed and nyjer seed are all highly recommended autumn bird foods.
Have Fun with Identification
In addition to new species passing through your area during migration, fall is also another time to test your identification eye. Male birds begin to wear their non-breeding plumage, which is typically much duller and easier to blend in with the changing season. You should also keep an eye on juveniles, as they close in on fall migration; they begin to develop a much more mature looking plumage.
Daylight Hours
Pay attention as the season changes along with our hours of daylight. Light levels are typically a strong clue for birds, letting them know when it is time to head to warmer climates. Keep a close eye on your current species, and pair their activity with that of our hours of daylight, and you should begin to see a correlation with their migration.
Fall can be a great time to get outdoors and enjoy everything nature has to offer us. With comfortable temperatures, lower bug populations and a number of new transient species of birds passing through your region, fall is a great time to spend some time outdoors.
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