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Have different types of feeders available: tubular, tray, cage and nectar. Some birds like to perch on the tube feeders, some like the open tray feeders. The cage feeders are usually for the suet, while the nectar feeders are usually for the hummingbirds. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show! Between all the birds at your feeders and the trees changing colors, autumn in the Northeast is a feast for the eyes! I hope that everyone finds this to be a truly bountiful season.
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Have lots of cover in your yard for the fall migrants. Small song birds are not the only migrants on the move this time of year. Hawks will go after small birds if they have the open space to do so. Don’t forget the hummingbirds! Those tiny winged wonders burn so much fat as they flit around. They need lots of fuel on their long journey! Keep those feeders of nectar going into October for these migrants. Some examples of late blooming hummingbird favorites are: cardinal flower, salvias, standing cypress and lobelia.
P.S. don’t forget about leaving some morsels of seed around for those cute little chipmunks that will be going into a state of torpor for winter! They need the food they store to survive! Happy Wildlife Gardening! If you would like more information on how you can garden for wildlife, you can check out the National Wildlife Federation site. http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx You can always check with your local Cornell Coop for more information on this topic and others.
Give them an extra treat and put out some mealworms in a bowl for them. Put up nesting boxes for them to keep warm at night.
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Leave some of that leaf litter around. Lots of insects and worms will find it “home” and the birds will find it a nice “dining out” place in your yard.
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Don’t forget to put up some suet feeders. This high caloric treat will help these birds to “fatten up” for their long journey. modernmetrozine
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