Have you noticed a lack of bird activity at your feeders in the last few weeks? It’s not anything you’ve done wrong and there is nothing wrong with the seed, it’s the seasonal transition that makes birds scarce at feeders.
This time of year many of you will notice an abrupt and sometimes dramatic slowdown at your feeders. You may even notice some species become practically non-existent. Bird feeders in September and October are typically very quiet. This is normal and understandable. With thebreeding season well behind them birds are now in less need of a quick, easy food source like your feeders. While raising their young during the months March through July birds expend great energy and will take full advantage of backyard feeders. We sell far more seed and suet during those months than we do even in winter.
Let’s not forget that the food birds get at your feeders is really only a supplement to their natural diet. They do not become dependent on feeders. Their frequency of visits to feeders is based largely on what is going on at that time in their life-cycle, seasonally and environmentally. Your feeders are slow at this time of year because the breeding season is over and adults are not raising and feeding young, and practically all plants; weeds, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, are producing seeds, nuts, and fruit. Birds are taking advantage of the bounty nature is providing them. Nature provides all this food in the fall to help wildlife get through the winter. They are busily feeding and storing food for the months to come. Will this be a tough winter? The birds likely know.
So don’t worry that you are not seeing many birds around the feeders right now. It is totally normal. About the time we get the first frost or two you will begin to see a return of your favorite birds to feeders. And be on the lookout for our winter birds like Purple finch, Pine siskin, Red-breasted nuthatch, and White-throated sparrow.
Although there are fewer everyday hummingbirds are still being seen. Keep at least one feeder going and keep the nectar fresh.
Birding While Traveling
I always bring my binoculars on vacation and I would encourage you to do so as well. Spotting a few new birds just adds another layer of enjoyment to your time away from home and work.
While on vacation in California last week I was able to do some light birding. I usually vacation in or near beautiful natural areas where there's so much to see and do. I don't go on vacation specifically to bird watch but my binoculars are always with me. It’s a lot of fun to see different birds than what you see in your own backyard. You also gain an understanding of the diversity of bird life we have in our country.
Most of my birding opportunities last week came from the balcony of the condo overlooking the view of a natural area leading to the beach. Being the first one up in the morning I would sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee and I’d listen and watch. So, without really trying I was able to see and identify the following birds:
Pacific wren, or Winter wren (really hard to distinguish between the two)
California scrub jay (lured to the balcony with treats)
Snowy and Great Egret
And.....
While on a whale watching trip besides seeing the awesome Humpback whale, Rissos dolphins, sea lions, and sea otter, I saw Black footed albatross, Cormorants, Sooty Shearwaters, and many different gull species
Peak Time For Hummingbirds
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
August and September is the busiest time for hummingbirds at feeders. By now our summer population of hummingbirds has concluded the nesting phase which explains why in the past couple of weeks you have seen a surge in interest at your feeders. It will only get busier in the next four to five weeks.
Already, hummingbirds that have summered north of here are beginning their long journey back to central and South America to soon bring them through Tennessee. So, not only are our hummingbirds that nested here coming to the feeders but all the migrating hummers will be sweeping through and joining the feeding frenzy. This is the time when hummingbirds will be feeding heavily packing on as much fat as possible to sustain them during there long journey.
Food availability is thought to be the prime determinant of migratory routes. Hummingbirds will travel where food is most dependable. Many who study hummingbirds believe knowledge of food-rich migratory routes may actually be built into the genetic codes of these amazing little birds. This explains why people in rural areas tend to see a lot more hummingbirds than those in more populated urban areas. Hummers will feed heavily on late summer blooming plants like jewelweed, bee balm, and cardinal flower. Cardinal flower and a purple variety of Salvia seem to be the preferred flowers at my house. These native plants not only provide nectar but attract insects that are critical to a hummers diet.
Since tiny insects are a major part of a hummers diet you may be interested in trying something I’ve had success with. In the vicinity of your hummingbird feeders hang a mesh bag, or perforated container with a piece of fruit inside. As the fruit over-ripens the fruit flies will converge. Hummingbirds will find this “meat” feeder very interesting. You will, too, as you see hummers hover and snatch insects.
If you have put away your hummingbird feeders because you thought you missed them this summer now is the time to get them back out and get some fresh nectar made. The very best and busiest is yet to come. In just one week I have seen consumption at my feeders go from 16 ounces per day to 32 oz. Based on past years by mid-September I will likely see as much as a gallon of nectar consumed per day at my eight feeders.
Below is a video from a couple years back in September. We're compiling some new footage from this year so check back for a new video on down the line.
Long Distance Bluebird
For all of you who ever wondered how old Eastern bluebirds can live and how far they can travel, check out this resent banding news from Warner parks. It's a pretty amazing Bluebird.
Drippers, Misters, and Moving Water
One of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard is with a birdbath, but adding a supply of fresh, moving water will make your birdbath even more appealing. There are many ways to add moving water to your existing birdbath, such as water drippers, water misters, water wigglers, and small fountain pumps that circulates water. Below are some examples of ways you can add moving water to your birdbath at home.
Side mount dripper.
Rock base dripper.
Water Drippers: A water dripper usually consists of a small curved metal tube that can be affixed or set in your birdbath. Then long flexible plastic tubing (that can be buried) is run from an outdoor water spigot to the dripper on your birdbath. Each dripper set up comes with an adjustable valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to a nice consistent drip. In the hotter months of the year this is a great way to keep ahead of evaporation, and help cut down on mosquito's in between birdbath cleanings, and the birds will love the fresh moving water source.
Water Wigglers: Similar to the Water Dripper, the Water Wiggler will agitate the water and help cut down on insects and make your birdbath more attractive to birds. Instead of using a fresh water source from your garden hose it runs on two D batteries and simply agitates the water causing constant water ripples. We find the water wiggler to be the most effective option when running a power cord or a fresh water line to your birdbath is not a viable option.
Available in hanging and rock base Misters.
Water Misters: Like the water dripper, the water mister attaches to your garden hose via small plastic tubing and creates a small constant water mist that birds love to fly through and sit under and bath. Most of these misters can be mounted to your bird bath, and some misters can even be attached to a large tree limb or zip tied up the side of your current shepherd’s pole with your bird feeders.
Stone Creek Rock: This option will basically turn your birdbath into a recirculating fountain. This small plastic resin stone rock houses a small fountain pump that will circulate the water and also give birds a place to perch and bathe. All you need is a minimum of 2” of water and a 110 power source.