If your yard has more birds than usual this fall, experts say this is why

Before birds fly south for the winter, you might notice more of them seem to be stopping by your backyard throughout the fall season. Well, you’re not imagining it. This time of year can be a busy one for birds on the move and those gearing up for the cold winter months, making your yard an inviting little rest stop for them to recharge or forage for food. 

“Fall is a time of change,” says Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist and in-house ornithology research specialist for FeatherSnap. “The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and food resources are becoming more scarce.” All of these changes can ultimately lead to that noticeable uptick of birds hanging out in your yard, which against the signature seasonal backdrop of beautiful autumn leaves, can make it feel like your very own nature retreat.

So, while we’re not complaining about having more of our feathered friends around, you might also be wondering the reason behind why those birds are increasingly passing through. To find out, we spoke more with Kincaid to learn all about what it means if you see more birds than usual out in your yard this fall. From how changing temperatures affect bird activity to what simple changes you can make to keep your yard warm and welcoming for birds, here’s what you need to know. 

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Why You May Be Seeing More Birds in Your Yard This Fall

Kincaid says there are a few key reasons you might see a change in the amount of birds in your yard during the fall season. “For one, migratory birds are on the move,” she says. “They may stop in our yards to rest and refuel for the day, or may stick around for a few days.”

The birds you’re seeing more of might also be local. “Insects are more scarce as the winter approaches, so they’re switching to diets heavier in fruits and seeds, which are often plentiful in our yards,” she explains. Because these birds are changing their foraging habits to help prep for a long winter ahead, they begin to eat more to pack on fat stores for the cold season. 

Related: How to Stop Crows From Bullying Songbirds at Your Fall Feeders (And the Feeder Tactic That Fails), According to an Expert

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How Fall Migration Brings More Birds to Backyards

“During the fall migration, especially peak migration, you may see a variety of different bird species in your yard,” Kincaid says. Depending on what you have in your yard, it may cause an increase in the number of birds as they move through. That number can also vary based on timing, availability of food and the weather. 

What Attracts Birds to Your Yard as the Weather Gets Colder

Regardless of if a bird is migrating or is a local resident, they’re driven by energy needs in fall, Kincaid says. It’s incredibly important that their calorie consumption outweighs their energy, she says, so factors like food (native or provided), shelter and a water source all draw birds to your backyard. 

“Birds will be attracted to areas that provide them a place to get out of the elements and be safe from predators,” she says. 

How Changing Temperatures and Food Supplies Affect Bird Activity

As temperatures drop, staying warm requires a lot of energy for birds. “You may notice more foraging activity in general, as well as activity at feeders, as birds are building their fat stores, and some species, like chickadees, will build caches of food to access over the winter when native food sources are less available,” Kincaid says. 

Something else you might notice is that birds might look a bit more round in autumn. “This isn’t because they’ve been glutting themselves on food,” she says. Rather, “they’ll fluff their feathers to trap warm air close to their bodies, and tuck their un-feathered legs and feet close to their bodies to keep them warm.” 

What Experts Say to Do When More Birds Visit Your Yard

If you do notice more birds in your backyard, it means you’re providing them with necessary resources. To keep this up, Kincaid recommends making sure your feeders and birdbaths are clean and filled. Routine maintenance is important in caring for birds, she emphasizes. 

“You should also clean spent and spilled seed from the areas around your feeders regularly to avoid attracting unwanted pests and keep the area clean,” she says.

Plus, having a well-maintained heated birdbath in areas that regularly freeze will give birds a place to drink and take care of their feathers too. 

Source: 

• Maria Kincaid is the head ornithologist and in-house ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap.

Related: 4 Angel Bird Messages To Look Out For This Fall, According to an Astrologer