October’s Backyard Visitors: Sparrows, Juncos, and the First Signs of Winter

October in Ontario is a month of change. The last of the migrants are passing through, the trees are losing their leaves (albeit beautifully!), and suddenly your feeders look a little different. Familiar faces are still around, but new arrivals are joining the mix. Some of winter's beloved favourites are here. 

White-throated sparrow. Photo by Leanne Leblanc. 

White-throated Sparrows: The Fall Singers

If you hear a clear whistle that sounds like “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada”, you’re hearing the White-throated Sparrow. These beautiful birds are common at feeders in fall and early winter, especially in brushy areas near cover.

Best foods to offer:

• Sunflower seed

• Millet scattered low or in Ground Feeders

• Bark Butter® spread on tree trunks

Their bright white throats and yellow lores make them easy to pick out among mixed flocks.

Dark-eyed Juncos: The Beloved “Snowbirds”

Dark-eyed junco. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

For many, the first sighting of a Dark-eyed Junco is the true start of winter birdwatching. With their slate-gray backs, crisp white bellies, and sweet hopping habits, they brighten chilly days at feeders. Juncos are ground feeders, happiest picking up seed under tray feeders or scattered on the ground.

Best foods to offer:

• White millet

• No-Mess Blend

• Bark Butter® Bits

Pro tip: Juncos also love mealworms for a protein boost after migration.

Pine Siskins: Streaked Cuties

Pine Siskin. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Not guaranteed every year, but a real treat when they show up, Pine Siskins often arrive in flocks, mixing with American Goldfinches. They’re streaky brown with subtle yellow wing markings and a feisty energy that makes feeders lively.

Best foods to offer:

• Nyjer®

• Finch Blend

• Sunflower chips

Siskins can eat up to three times their body weight in a day so make sure keep your finch feeders well-stocked if they appear!

Tips for Fall Feeding

• Add a tray feeder to support ground-feeders like sparrows and juncos.

• Use hot pepper blends to reduce mess and keep squirrels at bay.

• Keep feeders clean to prevent disease as flocks increase.

• Provide fresh water — birds need reliable hydration just as much as food.

October is a beautiful month to slow down and watch the subtle shifts at your feeders. From the return of our beloved juncos to the fun songs of White-throated Sparrows, these new arrivals mark the turning of the season. Keep your feeders full, your bird bath fresh, and enjoy the company of your autumn visitors! 

Warmly, 

Heather