Fall Migration Guide: Prepare Your Backyard for Migrating Birds
Fall migration is a wonderful time to notice which birds pass through your neighborhood. A clean feeding station, fresh water, and a little thoughtful observation can make your yard more welcoming. Here are simple ways to get ready, whether you’re a longtime birder or just starting out.
Give feeders a seasonal reset
Empty feeders and remove old or damp seed. Wash feeders according to the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse them thoroughly, and let them dry before refilling. Check them regularly during the season, and keep the ground beneath them tidy. Choose seed that suits the feeder and the birds common in your area, and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Browse the Bird Feeders collection for options to build or refresh a feeding station. For a closer look at feeder styles, see our Best Bird Feeders in 2026 guide.
Offer clean water
A shallow birdbath with fresh water can give visiting birds another useful resource. Refresh the water often, keep the basin clean, and place it where birds have a clear view and nearby cover. In freezing weather, follow local guidance for safe water options. For more ideas, browse our Bird Baths & Feeders collection or read the Bird Baths for Backyard Birds guide.
Make the yard easier to navigate
Keep cats indoors or supervised, and make windows more visible to birds with suitable decals or other proven window treatments. During migration, consider turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night. Native plants can offer natural cover and seasonal food; choose species suited to your region.
Watch, listen, and keep notes
Take a few quiet minutes to observe from a comfortable distance. Note the date, time, weather, and the birds you see, and use a field guide or a trusted identification app if you’d like help. Local migration timing varies with region and weather, so your own observations are a useful record of what is happening nearby.
Think ahead about birdhouses
Birdhouses are most useful when they meet the needs of local cavity-nesting species. Clean and maintain nest boxes at the appropriate time for your area, following local wildlife guidance. Explore the Birdhouses collection for options to consider for your yard. If you’re comparing materials, see our guide to eco-friendly birdhouses made from recycled materials.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day
Use October 10 as a reason to pause, look up, and learn about the birds traveling through your area. A few steady habits, clean feeders, fresh water, safer windows, and mindful observation, can help you enjoy the season while being considerate of wildlife.
Happy fall birding from BIRDLOVER.
