7 Expert Tips to Attract Migrating Birds to Your Backyard This Fall

Introduction: Why Fall Migration Matters for Backyard Birders

Each fall, over 4 billion birds leave the U.S. and Canada, heading south to tropical wintering grounds in Central and South America. This spectacular event — known as fall bird migration — is one of the best times of the year to see rare species in your backyard.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, following a few simple steps can make your home a stopover point on their incredible journey — and help conserve bird populations at the same time.

1. Time Your Feeding Right: Peak migration season typically runs from late September through early November. Start setting up your feeders early so birds can rely on them when they need extra energy for long flights.

2. Choose High-Energy Foods: Migrating birds need high-calorie foods to fuel their travels. Offer black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms — or nectar for hummingbirds. Providing diverse food types will attract a wider variety of species.

3. Upgrade to a Smart Bird Feeder Smart bird feeders — equipped with cameras and AI — can identify species, track visits, and capture photos. They’re not just fun for bird lovers but also useful for monitoring migration patterns.

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4. Provide Fresh Water: A clean water source is just as essential as food. Use a bird bath or fountain, and keep it filled and fresh. Running water is particularly attractive to birds on the move.

5. Create Shelter and Resting Spots Add shrubs, native plants, or small trees near your feeding station. Birds need safe places to rest, hide from predators, and conserve energy before continuing their journey.

6. Reduce Nighttime Light Pollution: Many birds migrate at night, using the stars for navigation. Minimize outdoor lighting or install motion sensors to prevent disorientation and collisions.

7. Track Migration to Know Who’s Coming: Use apps like eBird or BirdCast to follow migration forecasts. Knowing when peak activity will happen helps you prepare your feeders and cameras for the most exciting sightings.

Make Your Backyard Part of the Journey

By providing food, water, and shelter — and reducing threats — you can transform your backyard into an essential stopover for birds flying thousands of miles.

P.S. For live migration tracking and density maps, visit the BirdCast Live Migration Map or eBird migration tools.

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