Reports of low bird activity on feeders have been trickling in from novice and experienced birdwatchers alike. So what's happening and what can we do about it? Based on data from this year and our experience from years past here's what we found.
The simple answer: Fall is a natural time of harvest and the birds take full advantage of all available wild resources.
Bird feeding is a great way to enjoy your birds and to provide a consistent source of food when their usual food sources are disrupted due to loss of habitat (hurricanes, wildfires, development etc.) or when food sources are eliminated (pesticides). Birds are not dependent on bird feeders and the food feeders provide is just a small part of their overall diet.
Seed-eating birds like chickadees, finches, and sparrows have a bountiful buffet of flower, weed, and grass seeds available. You can see them eating in meadows and yards that have native plants that recently went to seed. Thistles and cone-flowers are full of birds feasting! Insects will also be abundant until we have our first frost.
Are birds being impacted more than usual this year? Yes, we are also experiencing a “mast year” (for current data, see article linked below); a year of very high acorn and seed production for larger trees like oaks, maples, and sycamores. This occurs every 2-5 years where these trees over produce so that the birds and animals cannot eat all the fallen nuts or seeds in order to increase the chances that some acorns will grow into future trees.
Things we can do:
Be Patient: If you have moved your feeders, are testing new seed, or you have put out a new type of feeder, please give the birds time to adjust to the change.
Prepare: Now is a great time to inspect and clean your feeders so they're ready when the birds return from enjoying nature’s bounty.
Diversify: Offering seed is just one part of creating and ideal oasis for birds in your yard. Having a water source and alternative food options, like suet, is a great way to help fill any nutrient gaps.
Plant: Fall is an ideal time to add perennials, shrubs and trees to your home landscape. A few intentional choices can help ensure your birds stay close to home even during exceptionally abundant times like masting years.
To Learn More About Masting Click Below
The link here will take you to the study performed by the Virginia Department of Natural Resources this year.