The takeaway: Fall is an exciting time at your smart bird feeder as new species arrive. Make sure you put out the right seed to attract these migratory birds.

As the summer winds down, the air cools, and the days shorten, the fall bird migration gets underway. Those using a smart bird feeder, the fall migration presents an exciting opportunity to see new birds at your feeder–but to get the most spectacular show at your feeder, you may need to rethink what seed you are offering. The seed that was perfect for nesting and breeding season may not carry over to fall.

To truly get the most out of your feeder and help the birds that rely on it, now is the time to think about changing up your seed selection. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it right.

Why Fall Migration Changes the Bird Seed Game

During the fall migration, millions and millions of birds pass through back yards, front yards, gardens, pastures, and park lands, often stopping for a quick rest and a snack before continuing their journey south. While your usual feeder might host chickadees, finches, and jays, which stick around all year, new and unexpected guests like warbles, thrushes, and tanagers may suddenly appear.

These migrant birds have different dietary needs, and if your feeder is still offering your standard blend, or a blend leftover from summer, you may miss out on attracting these exciting birds.

What to Know About the Diets of Migrating Birds

In late summer and early fall, migrating birds need high-energy food to support their long flights. While some of these birds will still eat seeds, may prefer fruit, insects, or high-fat options. If you are already noticing new birds at your feeder, you can use this time to see who is showing up and what they are eating. This information can fuel your seed switch decision.

Food and Seed Options for Fall Migratory Birds

Here are some great fall-friendly seed and feed options to consider:

  • Black oil sunflower seed–songbirds love them

  • Safflower seeds–beloved by cardinals and less appealing to squirrels

  • Peanuts and tree nuts–High fat and energy rich, these are favored by woodpeckers and nuthatches

  • Nyjer (thistle)–A go-to choice for goldfinches

  • Fruit bits–Popular with many birds, including robins, waxwings, mockingbirds, and tanagers

  • Suet–High-fat food for migrating birds

  • Mealworms–Perfect for insectivorous birds like chickadees, wrens, and nuthatches

Use Your Smart Bird Features to Adapt

Smart bird feeders like the FeatherSnap have motion-activated cameras, AI species recognition, and two seed reservoirs, all of which can be used to inform your seed deployment choice.

  • Are you seeing new species at the feeder?

  • What foods are they eating?

  • Are they visiting more frequently in the morning or evening?

Using these insights can help you tailor your feed offerings so your feeder stays attractive to birds all year long.

Bonus Tips to Help Migrating Birds

  • Keep your feeder clean to prevent the spread of disease during high-traffic seasons

  • Offer water nearby: A clean birdbath with fresh water makes your yard even more attractive

  • Minimize window collisions: More birds flying through means more risk. Use decals or screens to make your windows more visible, and don’t hang your feeder too close to the window. Also, turn off outdoor and indoor lights at night

  • Think about habitat: Bird-friendly native trees, shrubs, and plants will offer critical shelter and foraging opportunities.

Learn More About FeatherSnap

The FeatherSnap smart bird feeder offers a wealth of features designed to enhance your bird watching experience. Learn more here.