As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, birds are busy preparing for the changing season. While fall signals migration for many species, for others, it's a time to feast and get ready for winter. The connection between birds and fall foliage goes beyond beauty – the seasonal shift brings changes in food availability, shelter, and behavior. Let’s explore how birds interact with the fall landscape and how they make the most of autumn’s bounty.

One of the key changes in autumn is the abundance of food. Trees and shrubs bear fruits, seeds, and nuts that many bird species rely on to fuel up before and during the winter. For example, species like the American Robin and Cedar Waxwing feast on berries from trees such as dogwood, holly, and crabapple. The birds take advantage of the seasonal fruit boom to build up fat reserves that will sustain them through colder months and fuel their migration. In fact, fall is one of the best times to see these birds foraging in large flocks, hopping from tree to tree in search of ripe berries.

In addition to fruit-eating birds, seed-eating species like the Northern Cardinal and House Finch find autumn to be a time of plenty. As trees shed their leaves, seeds from maples, oaks, and other trees fall to the ground, providing an easy meal. You might see these birds foraging among fallen leaves, using their strong beaks to crack open seeds and nuts. For backyard birdwatchers, autumn is a great time to put out seed feeders, as many species will readily visit for an easy snack.

Fall foliage also provides changes in shelter for birds. As the weather cools, birds seek out cozy roosting spots to stay warm during chilly nights. The dense foliage of evergreen trees, such as pines and spruces, becomes a favorite hiding spot for birds like chickadees and nuthatches. These trees offer protection from the wind and cold, as well as cover from predators. Even as deciduous trees lose their leaves, their branches still offer birds places to perch and find refuge.

Some birds, like the Eastern Screech-Owl, rely on tree cavities that become more visible as leaves fall. These natural hollows make perfect roosting spots and can also serve as nesting sites. Woodpeckers, which may have created these cavities for raising chicks earlier in the year, return to them in the fall for warmth and safety. If you’re walking through a wooded area in autumn, keep an eye out for these birds peeking out from tree holes!

For some birds, fall is not just about food and shelter – it’s also a time for social gatherings. Flocks of birds, such as blackbirds and starlings, often form large groups in the fall, moving together through fields and woodlands. These gatherings help birds find food more easily and offer protection from predators, as there is safety in numbers. You might see these birds swirling through the sky in massive flocks, especially in rural areas where food sources like grain fields are plentiful.

Birds that don’t migrate also take advantage of the fall landscape to prepare for winter. Jays, nuthatches, and some woodpeckers are known for caching food, storing nuts and seeds in hidden spots to eat later when food becomes scarce. Blue Jays, for example, collect acorns in the fall and bury them in the ground, using their sharp memory to retrieve them when needed. This behavior not only helps the birds survive but also plays a role in the dispersal of seeds, as some of the buried acorns may eventually grow into new oak trees.

For birdwatchers, fall is a special time to observe these seasonal behaviors. As birds interact with the changing landscape, they provide a glimpse into how nature adapts to the cooler weather and shorter days. From foraging in colorful foliage to roosting in sheltered tree cavities, birds make the most of autumn's unique opportunities.

Setting up feeders in your yard with seeds, fruits, nuts, and suet can attract a variety of species that are preparing for winter. You can also plant native trees and shrubs that bear fruit in the fall, providing natural food sources for birds like robins and waxwings. Watching the interactions between birds and their autumn habitat is a reminder of how intricately connected animals are to their environment, and how every season brings its own challenges and rewards.

As the crisp air of October sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere, millions of birds are on the move, migrating to escape the cold and find food. Fall migration is in full swing this month, and bird enthusiasts have the chance to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. From songbirds to raptors, birds of all shapes and sizes are heading south, some traveling thousands of miles. Let’s take a look at a few species on the move in October, where they’re headed, and how birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of them along the way.

First, let's think about the robust and charismatic little Ruby-throated Hummingbird. After spending the summer in the eastern United States and parts of Canada, these tiny birds embark on an incredible journey south to Mexico and Central America. Along the way, they stop to refuel at feeders and flowers. If you live in their range, keeping your hummingbird feeders up through the end of the month may give you the chance to see these little travelers on their way out. Planting native flowers that they like to visit is a great way to naturally attract these flying jewels and help them along their journey.

Songbirds like the White-throated Sparrow and the Dark-eyed Junco are also on the move in October. These species breed in the northern parts of North America, including Canada and Alaska, and migrate southward to spend the winter in parts of the United States. White-throated Sparrows often visit backyard feeders, giving birdwatchers a great chance to observe them up close. Dark-eyed Juncos, commonly known as "snowbirds," can be seen hopping around under feeders as they arrive in southern wintering areas. In some regions, these birds signal the arrival of cooler weather.

Another spectacular group of migratory birds active in October is raptors. Species like the Broad-winged Hawk and the Sharp-shinned Hawk are heading to Central and South America for the winter. October is a great time to visit hawk-watching sites, where enthusiasts gather to witness large groups of raptors known as "kettles" soaring overhead. Locations like Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania and Veracruz in Mexico are famous for their massive raptor migrations. Here in Florida we have the United States' southernmost hawk watch site with the Florida Keys Hawkwatch at Curry Hammock State Park. Some hawks travel over 4,000 miles during their migration, a truly awe-inspiring feat of endurance. 

Waterfowl, including species like the Northern Pintail and the Snow Goose, are also on the move in October. These birds migrate from their northern breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska to wintering spots in the southern United States and Central America. Flocks of Snow Geese can number in the thousands, making for a breathtaking spectacle. Wetland areas and wildlife refuges are excellent places to observe migrating waterfowl as they stop to rest and feed during their journey.

One of the longest migrations in the world is undertaken by the Arctic Tern, a bird that travels from its Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic, covering up to 25,000 miles each year! Though Arctic Terns pass through more northerly regions in September, some can still be spotted heading south in early October. Coastal birdwatching sites are the best places to observe these incredible long-distance travelers.

If you’re interested in seeing migratory birds in October, there are several ways to increase your chances. Visiting known bird migration hotspots is one of the best options. Places like the Point Pelee National Park in Canada, Cape May in New Jersey, and many points along the Mississippi Flyway are prime spots for migration viewing. Many of these locations also host birding festivals in October, where birdwatchers gather to celebrate and observe the migration.

For backyard birders, setting up feeders with seeds, suet, or nectar can attract migratory species as they stop to refuel. Keeping an eye on the sky is also a good idea, as you might spot flocks of geese or kettling raptors flying overhead. Morning and late afternoon are often the best times to see birds in migration, as they are actively moving to find food and resting spots.

October is a magical time to witness bird migration. Whether you're watching Ruby-throated Hummingbirds buzzing through your garden or spotting a kettle of hawks soaring high above, there are plenty of opportunities to experience birds on the move this fall.