Wild Birds Unlimited’s Ask-a-Birder expert, Noreen Baker offers insight into why birds and squirrels seem to vanish from feeders each fall.
If your backyard feeders look a little lonely this time of year, don’t worry—nature is simply doing what nature does best. Autumn brings an abundance of natural food sources like berries, nuts, and seeds, which reduce wild birds’ dependence on feeders. Native plants and trees are also alive with protein-packed insects, and the carpet of fallen leaves helps keep the soil moist, nurturing even more bug life for birds to enjoy.
The seasonal dip in backyard bird activity, especially noticeable October through December, happens every year to varying degrees. While food abundance is a big part of it, migration patterns, weather, and the end of breeding season also play major roles. After the July rains, like we’ve had this year, seed crops flourish—and when nature’s pantry is full, birds prefer to dine outdoors. A bumper crop of live oak acorns also explains why squirrels are staying away from feeders—they’re feasting in the treetops instead.
Migration Matters
Fall is a transitional season. Many of our summer birds have already departed for warmer climates, while winter visitors haven’t yet arrived. This year’s lingering warmth means northern flocks are in no rush to move south. At the same time, the end of breeding season means parent birds no longer need to make frequent feeder trips to feed their young. With fledglings now independent, families of birds are free to explore nature’s autumn buffet together.
So, if your feeders seem quiet, take heart—it’s not a sign of trouble. As cooler weather settles in and wild foods become scarce, your backyard will soon be bustling again.
Fun facts to know
- Many small songbirds migrate south for better food and warmer weather.
- Some species travel thousands of miles, while others move only short distances.
- Tiny hummingbirds can fly up to 500 miles, nonstop, during migration.
- Click here to listen to Wild Birds’ fall birds podcast.
Caching for Survival
As fall unfolds, birds like chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and jays begin caching—hiding thousands of seeds to prepare for the leaner months ahead. This behavior, known as scatter hoarding, involves stashing seeds one by one in countless hiding spots—under tree bark, in knotholes, beneath leaves, even under house siding.
What’s truly remarkable is their memory. Thanks to a well-developed hippocampus—the part of the brain that stores spatial memories—these little birds can recall every hiding place for months. Chickadees, in particular, have proportionally larger hippocampi than birds that don’t cache food.
Favorite foods for caching
- Sunflower and safflower seeds
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts (you might notice these oily, fat-rich cache treasures are an absolute favorite this month)
Keep your feeders stocked this fall and watch your clever backyard residents in action. Though it may seem quiet now, your birds are busy preparing for winter—and before long, they’ll be back in full chorus.