Create an Autumn Habitat For Your Birds

Autumn is a time to enjoy falling leaves and aromas of pumpkin spice. Just as much as we look forward to traditions, birds look forward to the consistent things in our yards. Now is the perfect time to advertise to the birds that they can rely on our yards as part of their winter habitat territory.

• Leave the Landscape

Leave spent plants standing to provide natural food sources and protective cover for the birds. Sparrows will flit to the top of the plants and “ride” them to the ground to feed on the seeds. Blue Jays will hide acorns and peanuts in the leaves. Juncos and towhees will scratch the ground for dropped seeds. Other birds can find morsels of native insects found overwintering in the leaf litter and other dormant garden spaces. #leavetheleaves

• Take Stock of Feeders

During winter, birds will need high-calorie foods to keep their little bodies warm, especially during cold nights. Fall is the perfect time to clean, repair, or install new feeders before winter arrives.

• A Feeding Foundation

While feeder activity can slow in the fall as the birds feast on autumn berries and native seeds, they are always noticing food; whether they are actively eating it or not. Have at least one foundational feeder available now that dependably provides food and does not have to be filled very often. Help your birds know your food is reliable and ever present for them; especially when the weather turns nasty.

• Provide Shelter

Cold winds strip heat from birds very quickly. Birds will seek refuge from the wind in dense vegetation, natural cavities, brush piles or bird houses. Bird houses provide birds with a warm, dry location that can help protect them from cold, nasty winter weather. Autumn is a convenient time to winterize your bird houses by temporarily plugging the ventilation holes to help trap heat inside the box, and by adding a layer or wood shavings to the bottom of the house.

• Offer Water

Birds need water in winter to maintain their feathers for effective insulation. Take time now to set up a heated bird bath or add a heater to your existing plastic or metal bird bath. This will help make some water available even on the coldest day.