Birds pictured are representative of the many North American species that migrate. Ask us which birds are migrating through our area
Help Migrating Birds on Their Journey
Fall migration turns your backyard into a potential pit stop for birds on the move, and a few smart tweaks can make it irresistible. As nesting season wraps up, birds shift from raising families to finding food and safety for the months ahead.
Many begin traveling in flocks, teaming up with their own species or joining mixed groups that forage together, share alarm calls, and learn new ways to find food. Your yard can become part of that daily route.
A slightly messy, more natural landscape is a big win in fall. Leave seed-producing plants standing, add a brush pile or two, and create low-lying feeding areas where ground-feeding birds feel comfortable. Feeders placed closer to the ground, especially those offering millet-rich blends, attract sparrows, juncos, and finches that prefer to forage low. These natural elements give birds places to hide, rest, and socialize between meals.
Fall is also prime time to refresh your feeding setup. Clean and repair feeders, and make sure they are easy to refill during the winter months. Keep food fresh and consistent, even in small amounts, so passing birds remember your yard as a reliable stop. When colder weather hits, they’ll come back looking for what they know. High-energy foods like quality seed blends, Bark Butter®, and mealworms are especially helpful during migration, when birds need extra fuel.
Finally, don’t underestimate water. A moving water source is one of the strongest bird magnets there is. The sound alone can pull migrating birds down to investigate, giving them a place to drink, bathe, and maintain their feathers for flight.
Visit Wild Birds Unlimited to learn how small seasonal changes can make a big difference for migrating birds.
September in your Central Illinois backyard
September brings a changing cast of characters to your backyard as fall migration gets underway. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are especially busy, fueling up for their long journey south, while migrating warblers and other songbirds might make a surprise appearance among the trees and shrubs. Familiar year-round visitors like Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, chickadees, and woodpeckers are still close by, while American Goldfinches begin trading their sunny summer yellow for softer fall feathers.
This is a great month to keep feeders full and fresh water available as both resident and migrating birds prepare for the season ahead. Keep those hummingbird feeders up, too. September is prime time for travelers passing through Central Illinois. Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited for fresh seed, nectar, feeders, and a little help figuring out who's visiting your backyard this fall.
September specials!
The more you buy, the more you save! See this month’s specials for all the details.
The Perfect Gift for Every Nature Lover
Every nature lover is different, so finding the ideal gift for them can be difficult. That's why our gift cards are the perfect gift for every occasion. They allow your friend or loved one to choose what part of nature he or she wants to enjoy. The best part: our gift cards are redeemable at every Wild Birds Unlimited location.