Bird Notes | Migration during fall may change bird species temporarily

While a number of more northern breeding bird species continue to stop off in our area to take advantage of available resources while en route to their tropical winter destinations, a few folks have been concerned about a sudden lack of “regular” feeder birds frequenting their backyard offerings.

This happens to a greater or lesser degree each year about this time, and is sometimes referred to as the fall feeder hiatus. We should keep in mind the foods we provide for our feathered friends are primarily supplemental, and the birds use them to augment natural foods. One of the reasons for the lack of activity at backyard feeders is the present abundance of natural food sources such as fruits/berries and seeds. Our birds evolved along with plants native to our area, and significantly utilize the products they produce. Plants such as American beautyberry and pokeberry are laden with berries at present, and numerous bird species take advantage of those (and others) while they're available. Additionally, larvae of many insect species are also currently active (as well as adult insects) and the birds take advantage of those Arthropod sources of proteins and fats before the cooler days of fall and winter arrive and reduce their availability.

Another reason for the feeder hiatus may be the annual migrations of many birds of prey through our area. Just as small birds are attracted to abundant food in feeders, hawks are attracted to concentrations of small birds. While some of these birds of prey may overwinter in our area, the majority at present are just passing through. Additionally, some of these raptors are juvenile birds born this year, and the odds of finding a meal are much better for a hawk still honing its skills where there is an abundance of potential prey than in situations where prey are less concentrated.

Lastly, if there have been changes in the local landscape resulting in degradation or loss of habitat, the birds must work harder and cover greater area to meet their daily dietary needs. Depending on the abundance of suitable resources, even resident birds as small as chickadees may cover as much as a square mile during the course of a day in order to meet their needs.

Many hummingbirds continue to make their way into and through our area, and several folks have been happy to report multiple birds still taking advantage of their backyard flowers and feeders. Remember to keep your feeder clean and maintained with a solution of one part sugar to four parts water with no other additives, and let me know of the hummingbird activity in your yard.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Bird Notes | Migration during fall may change bird species temporarily."