If your bird feeder hasn't had any action over the last few weeks, don't worry; you're not alone. It's common for backyard birds to stop using feeders in fall due to a few reasons.
Even if you follow all the steps to attract wildlife to your yard in fall, many birds will steer clear of feeders. This is due to factors like migration and an abundance of seasonal berries available for them to feed from. So don't panic if your smart bird feeder hasn't captured any footage recently; it doesn't necessarily mean birds aren't visiting your backyard at all – they're probably just seeking natural food sources instead.
There are also several things you can do to bring birds back to your yard if they are staying away this season (planting this winterberry from Plant Addicts will help feed many native songbirds, for example). Here, gardening expert Siobhan Shaw explains more.
Why Do Birds Stop Using Feeders in Fall?
There are a few different reasons why birds suddenly stop using bird feeders in fall, including migration.
With many birds moving south for winter, gardeners living in northern regions are likely to see fewer backyard birds over the next few months. This isn't just in reference to the epic hummingbird migration, but also orioles, warblers, and others seeking a warmer region.
You can still support migrating birds on their journey by keeping feeders filled. A smart bird feeder, like this Birdfy smart hummingbird feeder from Walmart, can capture their fleeting visit so you don't miss it.
'Birds don’t always migrate long distances, either. Some make shorter seasonal movements, traveling to lower elevations where conditions may be milder and food and water easier to find,' Siobhan explains.
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'Lakes, rivers and valleys can attract birds seeking accessible water, food sources and shelter. As a result, fewer birds at your feeder doesn’t necessarily mean fewer birds in your area. They may simply have relocated nearby. If you go down to the lake for a walk, you may see lots of birds along the shoreline and in the open water,' she adds.
'Migration is one reason birds disappear from feeders, but it isn’t the only one,' Siobhan continues. 'Birds may have more natural food available in fall, including seeds, berries, nuts and insects, so they have less reason to visit feeders.'
There are plenty of native plants to feed birds in winter that produce berries from fall, so it's common for them to start foraging more and relying less on garden bird feeders.
'Shorter winter days can also make bird activity easier to miss. Birds often feed early in the morning and again toward dusk, so if you’re away at work during the day, you may miss much of their activity,' Siobhan says.
Lots of backyard birds also spend late summer and fall going through an annual moult, where they replace older feathers. This process is tiring and leaves the birds vulnerable, so they may avoid open garden spaces to avoid predators during this time.
Siobhan Shaw is a community agriculture advocate, gardening writer, and founder of food security nonprofit, Growing to Give. Through her work with community farms and collective growing projects, Siobhan has helped design and steward agricultural systems built to withstand extreme heat and drought. She is among a small group with hands-on, working knowledge of these systems.
How to Attract Backyard Birds in Fall
If you find birds suddenly stop using bird feeders in fall, there are plenty of other things you can do to help garden birds in winter and fall to attract them back to your yard.
'Keep bird feeders clean, refill them with fresh food and offer a variety of seeds suited to your local birds. Gather and store sunflower seedheads and bring them out for the birds during the winter,' Siobhan suggests.
'Don’t forget fresh water. Birds need water for drinking and bathing even in winter, so clean birdbaths regularly and provide a way to keep water accessible when temperatures drop below freezing,' she adds.
A heated bird bath (like this from Amazon) is one of the easiest ways to stop a bird bath from freezing over in winter.
'Remember that feeders are only part of the picture. Birds also need natural food, shelter and safe places to perch and hide from predators. A garden that provides these essentials throughout the year offers much more than a convenient meal,' Siobhan continues.
You can hang up bird perches near natural cover and provide high-energy foods (like these suet balls from Walmart).
'Plant native species that produce seeds, berries and nuts, as well as plants that support insects. Sunflowers and native asters provide seeds, while berry-producing shrubs and native trees offer food and shelter,' Siobhan suggests.
Some of the best berry choices include beautyberry (available at Plant Addicts) and viburnum (see the collection at Nature Hills).
'Many insects spend winter in dormant stages, such as eggs, larvae or pupae, hidden in leaf litter, soil, dead plant stems or beneath tree bark. Insect-eating birds can forage for some of these hidden food sources, even when insects aren’t visibly active,' Siobhan adds.
Not over-tidying your yard in fall by leaving fallen leaves and seedheads, and even creating a brush pile, can attract insects for birds to eat.
What to Shop
There are also particular bird feeders suited to fall and winter, like this tube bird feeder from Walmart. This will keep out moisture and stop bird feed from going moldy. Our collection of winter bird feeders has some of the best options to shop.
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