By Tom Dennis
It’s already mid-September and autumn will soon be upon us. It’s sad that summer has almost passed, but this is an exciting time for nature as the creation transitions into winter and with a little preparation we can better enjoy the events that are occurring around us and we can also do our part to make life easier for our feathered friends.
First of all, take some time to enjoy what’s going on outside. I recommend turning off the music, and other electronic distractions that so eagerly steal our time, and be on the lookout for changing bird behavior. Watching is our first source of bird enjoyment and with bird migration active throughout the fall, keep your optics close at hand. Many birds are on the move and if you’ve been paying attention you have noticed many are flocking to make mass migrations. Although European Starlings often get a bad rap for many reasons, be sure to enjoy their murmuration activity that peaks during fall evenings. Most swallows have now left for their wintering grounds but many other species are passing through and you may be treated to a brief visit by those who breed north of our area.
Raptors, especially Turkey Vultures, hawks and eagles, are now starting their migration south and this will continue into November. They are on the move in peak numbers on fair weather days with sun and light winds creating thermals that they use to conserve energy by soaring high and then gliding. Watch for specks high in the sky and you may see birds that aren’t common locally, such as Broad-winged Hawks and Golden Eagles. Other birds are now or soon will be passing through in large numbers. Blue Jays move through this area by the thousands and they are happy to clean out your feeders. They consume a great deal of energy on their journey so you can help by stocking your feeders now. When we talk about migration we must mention ducks, geese, swans, and also be on the watch for Sandhill Cranes that are always wonderful to see and hear…turn down that music! One of the unique features of the Blue Water Area is that major portions of two major waterfowl migration routes, the Atlantic Flyway and the Mississippi Flyway, intersect over St. Clair County bringing large flocks overhead.
Many of the small passerine species move through our area in smaller numbers. Sparrow species are transitioning with Chipping Sparrows leaving for the winter, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows will be passing through and then, Dark-eyed Juncos and American Tree Sparrows will be moving in. These birds forage largely on the ground so don’t be too fastidious in fall clean-up activities. They benefit by having leaf litter to scratch through, and by having seeds on the ground. This includes your summer flowers that have gone to seed. You can leave them up throughout the fall and winter. Yes, you have my permission to let the birds clean up the high energy little seeds and you can wait until spring as long as you promise to leave some dry vegetation for nesting. These small birds also benefit by having dense grasses, shrubs and evergreen trees for protection from those passing raptors.
I’ll close with answers to your FAQ regarding hummingbirds. If you’ve been feeding them all spring and summer please remain diligent through October. “Your” hummers may be gone but those early spring migrators that visited in late-April and early-May will be passing through and they remember where your feeder is located. They also need an abundant source of protein and get it by consuming small arthropods (insects and spiders) so hold off on the pesticides. Feeding hummingbirds does not delay or prevent them making the necessary migration journey as they move south when the daylight hours shorten. This is a good time to remember to keep the feeders clean and well-stocked, the winter birds will soon be establishing their feeding routes and you want to be on their list!
If you wish to learn more about birds you are welcome to attend Blue Water Audubon meetings held at The Point, 5085 Lakeshore Rd, in Fort Gratiot. Our first meeting of the season will be held October 4th starting at 6:45 PM. Please visit our Facebook page, “Blue Water Audubon Society”, and be sure to friend us.
Tom Dennis is a freelance writer, passionate birder, zoologist, creation scientist, and naturalist.
