Fuel for the Journey: How Birds Prepare for Fall Migration

September is here, and for birds across Ontario, one of the biggest journeys of the year is underway.

Some of our summer favourites are already gone, while warblers, thrushes, vireos, hummingbirds and countless other species are making their way through Southern Ontario. For many, the next few weeks will involve travelling hundreds—or even thousands—of kilometres.

Before and during those journeys, one thing becomes especially important: fuel.

Baltimore Orioles fueling up in September. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. 

Preparing for a Long Journey

Migration requires an incredible amount of energy.

In the weeks leading up to migration, many birds enter a period of increased feeding called hyperphagia. Simply put, they eat a lot.

Those extra calories are stored as fat, providing the concentrated energy birds need to power long flights and make it between places where they can safely stop and refuel.

For some species, gaining weight before migration is essential for survival.

Rose breasted grosbeak at bird bath. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Not Every Migrant Eats the Same Thing

One of the most exciting things about migration season is the variety of birds moving through. 

Warblers and other insect-eating birds are searching trees, shrubs and gardens for insects. Certain warblers will come to feeders for offerings of mealworms, suet and suet cylinders that include bugs, and BirdBerry Jelly. 

Thrushes and other fruit-loving species take advantage of berries and native fruit.

Hummingbirds seek out nectar-rich late-blooming flowers and nectar feeders.

Seed-eating birds continue to rely on abundant late-summer seeds in fields, gardens and at backyard feeders.

Providing a variety of natural and supplemental food sources can make your yard useful to a much wider range of visitors!

Let Your Garden Keep Working

September isn't the time to tidy everything away!

Coneflowers, sunflowers, Black-eyed Susans and other plants that have gone to seed provide natural feeding opportunities for birds.

Native shrubs and trees producing berries are equally valuable, while fallen leaves and garden spaces provide habitat for the insects many migrating birds need.

A slightly messy fall garden can be an incredibly productive one.

Add Some Variety to Your Feeding Station

Migration is also a great time to offer something beyond your usual seed.

Sunflower chips are easy for many birds to eat and provide plenty of energy without the work of removing a shell. Mealworms can appeal to insect-eating visitors, while Bark Butter® offers a high-energy food enjoyed by an incredible variety of species.

Fresh water is another important resource. A clean bird bath can attract birds that may never visit a traditional seed feeder.

The more variety you offer, the more interesting your migration season can become.

White-throated sparrow eating Hot Pepper Bark Butter. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. 

Keep Hummingbird Feeders Up!

One of the most persistent hummingbird myths is that leaving feeders up will prevent hummingbirds from migrating.

It won't.

Migration is driven by instinct and environmental cues such as changing daylight—not the presence of your feeder.

Keeping fresh nectar available into September can instead provide a valuable refuelling opportunity for late migrants passing through your yard. You may even meet a hummingbird you've never seen before.

Ruby-throated hummingbird visiting feeder. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Your Backyard Can Be a Pit Stop

You don't need acres of habitat to help migrating birds.

A backyard with native plants, shelter, fresh water and a variety of foods can provide exactly what a tired traveller needs before continuing south.

And for us, that's part of what makes September birding so exciting.

Keep those feeders stocked, leave a few seed heads standing and spend a little extra time watching your yard. You never know who might stop by on their way south.

Happy birding! 🐦

Warmly, 

Heather