How to Attract Garden Birds in September
As the first hints of autumn arrive, September is a perfect time to enjoy the changing seasons and attract an array of garden birds to your garden. With many species preparing for migration and others getting ready for the chillier months ahead, providing food, water, and shelter becomes even more important. It’s also the ideal time to prepare your garden for birdwatching and to learn more about your feathered visitors to be able to continue to attract a variety of garden birds this September.
🌿 Top Tips for Attracting Garden Birds This September
- As the weather cools down and natural water sources start to dry up or freeze, birds need reliable sources of water. A copper birdbath is the perfect addition to your garden, providing a functional place for birds to drink and bathe. Keep your birdbath clean and topped up with fresh water to ensure happy birds returning day after day!
- In September, many birds are preparing for migration, so providing high-energy foods will help them fuel their journey. Birds are busy foraging to build up fat reserves for the coming winter, and offering a variety of bird food is a great way to attract different species to your garden. Sunflower hearts are always a favourite for small birds like finches and tits.
- While food and water are important, providing shelter is just as essential for birds in September. As the days shorten and the weather grows colder, birds need safe places to rest and shelter from the elements. Thick hedgerows or dense shrubs provide natural shelter for birds, where they can hide from predators and stay warm. If you have trees in your garden, make sure to leave them undisturbed so birds can build nests.
- Plants that provide natural food sources like seeds, berries, and nectar are also a fantastic way to attract birds to your garden. Holly, hawthorn, and elderberry are great options for attracting birds like blackbirds and robins in September. These plants will not only benefit local wildlife but also enhance the beauty of your garden as the leaves turn to stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
🦜 Fun Facts About Garden Birds in September
- Chilly Nights
As the temperature starts to drop in September, birds may become more active in the early mornings and late afternoons. If you’ve ever wondered why birds seem to appear more frequently around dusk, it’s because they are gathering food to prepare for colder nights. - Birdsong Changes
With the end of the breeding season, many birds’ songs will shift. In September, you’ll hear robins and blackbirds singing their autumn calls, while other species like wren and starling will be quieter, focusing on building up their reserves for winter.
“September might feel quieter, but it’s actually one of the most fascinating times of the year. Many birds are actively feeding, storing up energy for migration. I love seeing the first of the autumn migrants arriving, while others like some waders and waterfowl are starting to make their way south. It’s also the time when juvenile birds, having fledged and begun their independence, start spreading out, providing a unique opportunity to see them in different habitats.”
– Chris Packham (Wildlife Presenter & Conservationist)
September is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the arrival of autumn birdwatching. By offering food, water, and shelter, you’ll create a welcoming space that will attract a variety of birds.
