Late summer may feel like a quiet time for backyard birds, but a lot is happening behind the scenes. Birds are molting, hummingbirds are preparing for migration, natural food sources are changing, and fall migrants like the Rose-breasted Grosbeak pictured above, photographed by one of our customers, are beginning to move south.
That makes August and early September an especially interesting time to pay attention to your feeders and birdbath. Your backyard can look different from one day to the next.
Here are four things to watch for in your backyard before summer ends.
1. Why Do Birds Look Scruffy in Late Summer?
Many backyard birds molt in late summer, replacing old, worn feathers with new ones. This can make otherwise healthy birds look scruffy, patchy or even temporarily bald.
If a Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay or another familiar backyard bird suddenly looks a little rough around the edges, don't panic. Molting is a normal and important part of a bird's annual cycle.
Growing an entirely new set of feathers requires energy and nutrients. While wild birds continue finding plenty of natural foods, keeping your feeders stocked with fresh, high-quality birdseed can provide another dependable food source during this demanding time.
Sunflower seeds, nuts, fruit and mealworms are all nutritious options that appeal to a variety of backyard birds.
2. Why Are Hummingbirds So Active in Late Summer?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds become especially active in late summer as they fuel up for their southward migration to Mexico and Central America.
You may notice hummingbirds visiting flowers and nectar feeders more frequently as summer winds down. They're building the energy reserves they'll need for the journey ahead.
This is an important time to keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar.
And don't take your hummingbird feeder down as soon as your familiar summer hummingbirds disappear.
Hummingbirds from farther north may continue passing through your area and stopping to refuel during migration. Keeping a feeder available gives these travelers another reliable food source along the way.
3. Can a Birdbath Attract Migrating Birds?
Yes. A birdbath can attract migrating birds that may never visit a seed feeder because all birds need water, including species that primarily eat insects or fruit.
That's one reason late summer and fall can be such an exciting time to watch your birdbath.
Migrating warblers and other birds passing through your area may stop briefly for water even though they have no interest in the seed in your feeders. Sometimes these visits are short, so it's worth taking an extra look at your birdbath throughout the day.
Keep the water shallow, clean and fresh, especially during hot weather.
Our Pure Copper Birdbath Disc is designed to help keep birdbath water fresher between cleanings. You'll find it along with the other products I especially like for this time of year in my Late-Summer Favorites collection below.
4. Why Does Feeder Activity Change in Late Summer?
Bird feeder activity can change in late summer as natural food supplies shift, young birds disperse and migration begins.
Don't be surprised if a feeder that seemed relatively quiet earlier in the summer suddenly becomes more interesting.
You may see familiar birds returning more frequently, larger groups gathering together, or a species that hasn't visited your backyard all summer.
Migration can also bring birds through your area for only a short period. A new visitor might stay for several days or simply stop long enough to eat, drink and continue its journey.
Keeping feeders stocked with fresh seed and offering a variety of foods can increase the number of species you're able to enjoy during this seasonal transition.
Should You Keep Feeding Birds in Late Summer?
Yes. You can continue feeding wild birds throughout late summer and fall. Feeding birds does not prevent them from migrating.
Birds use many environmental cues to determine when it's time to migrate. Your feeder is simply one of many food sources available to them.
Late summer is actually a wonderful time to keep your backyard bird-friendly because resident birds, recently fledged young birds and migrating birds may all be using your yard during the same general period.
Fresh seed, clean water, hummingbird nectar and other nutritious foods can help make your backyard a welcoming stopping place.
Make the Most of the Last Weeks of Summer
Fall birdwatching will be here before we know it, but don't overlook what's happening in your backyard right now.
Watch for molting birds. Keep an eye on those increasingly busy hummingbirds. Check your birdbath for unfamiliar visitors. And pay attention when your feeder suddenly seems busier than it did a week ago.
Your backyard can change from one morning to the next this time of year, and that's part of the fun.
I've gathered some of my favorite products for this seasonal transition in one place, including fresh birdseed, hummingbird nectar, mealworms, seed cylinders and our Pure Copper Birdbath Disc.
[SHOP SUSAN'S LATE-SUMMER FAVORITES]