Fall for the Birds 🍂

Autumn is a season of change—for us and for the birds in our backyards. As vacations end and cooler air arrives, our feathered friends are going through even greater transformations in what they eat, how they flock, where they live, and even how they look.

Summer diets were full of insects, both for adult birds and their young. But as insects dwindle, birds turn to ripening seeds and berries. That’s when your feeders become an essential stop. Jays, chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches busily collect and hide seeds—tucking them away under bark, leaves, knotholes, and even house siding—in a survival strategy called scatter-hoarding.

With breeding season over, territorial boundaries fade. Chickadees roam in small groups that often join forces with nuthatches, titmice, and downy woodpeckers. Together, these mixed flocks—called foraging guilds—scour trees and shrubs more efficiently. Many eyes searching means more food for all.

Fall also brings a complete molt. Cardinals stay brilliant red, while goldfinch males trade their bright yellow feathers for muted olive tones that resemble the females. These subtle changes are part of nature’s rhythm, reminding us that even familiar birds can surprise us.

Some species shift only a short distance—bluebirds, for instance, move from open nesting areas to berry-rich habitats or well-stocked feeders. Others, like House Wrens, make the long journey south, following the insects they need to survive.

This fall, take time to “fall for the birds.” From our exclusive seed blends and suets to nectar and insects, we offer everything you need to welcome the widest variety of birds. Every product features the highest-quality ingredients, so you can feel good knowing you’re offering the best to your backyard birds.