Fall Bird Migration Guide: Species to Watch and How to Attract Them
The Magic of Fall Bird Migration
Every autumn, something extraordinary happens overhead: millions of birds take flight on their fall migration journey. Tiny warblers weighing less than a stack of pennies cross continents. Hawks gather in swirling sky-rivers called “kettles.” Hummingbirds, no bigger than your thumb, fuel up for flights that can stretch hundreds of miles.
And the best part? You don’t need a passport—or even to leave your porch—to enjoy the spectacle. With a little preparation, your backyard can become a welcome pit stop for these feathered travelers.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
Which bird species to watch in each U.S. region.
Simple backyard tips to attract migrating birds.
The best migration hotspots worth a special trip.
So, grab your binoculars, pour a fresh coffee, and get ready to enjoy nature’s greatest road trip—right outside your window.
How Migration Works: A Quick Primer
Migration isn’t random. Birds follow four major flyways across North America:
Atlantic Flyway: Maine to Florida, hugging the coast.
Mississippi Flyway: From the Great Lakes down to the Gulf Coast.
Central Flyway: Stretching through the Great Plains and Texas.
Pacific Flyway: From Alaska through California to Mexico.
Each flyway funnels birds through natural corridors—rivers, mountains, and coastlines—making some places migration superhighways.
Northeast: Warblers, Thrushes, and Orioles
From Maine’s rocky coastlines to New York’s forests, the Northeast is alive with songbirds in fall.
Birds to watch:
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Swainson’s Thrush
Baltimore Oriole
American Redstart
Backyard tips:
Plant berry bushes like dogwood, viburnum, and serviceberry.
Offer suet and mealworms for insect-loving migrants.
Keep birdbaths fresh—warblers love moving water features.
Southeast: Hummingbirds and Painted Buntings
From the Carolinas to Florida, the Southeast is a crucial refueling stop for both tiny hummingbirds and colorful songbirds.
Birds to watch:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Painted Bunting
Wood Thrush
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Backyard tips:
Keep nectar feeders up until two weeks after your last hummingbird sighting.
Plant native wildflowers like trumpet vine and salvia.
Let leaf litter rest—thrushes forage in it for insects.
Midwest: Raptors and Sparrows
With its open skies and rich forests, the Midwest is prime migration country.
Birds to watch:
Broad-winged Hawk
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Flicker
American Pipit
Backyard tips:
Sprinkle mixed seed on the ground for sparrows.
Build a brush pile for shelter.
Head to hawk watches like Hawk Ridge (Minnesota) or Illinois’ Mississippi Palisades.
Southwest: Tanagers and Flycatchers
Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas provide desert oases for some of the most colorful migrants.
Birds to watch:
Western Tanager
Vermilion Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Green-tailed Towhee
Backyard tips:
Offer fruit like orange halves and grapes.
Plant mesquite, cottonwood, or native shrubs.
Add a drip feature to birdbaths—moving water is irresistible in dry climates.
West Coast: Warblers, Thrushes, and Shorebirds
The Pacific Flyway carries a mix of forest songbirds and coastal travelers.
Birds to watch:
Townsend’s Warbler
Varied Thrush
Yellow Warbler
Western Sandpiper
Backyard tips:
Plant coastal natives like salal and ceanothus.
Offer suet and sunflower seeds.
Skip pesticides—birds rely on healthy insect populations for protein.
Migration Hotspots Worth the Trip
Want to see migration at its most spectacular? These birding hotspots never disappoint:
Cape May, NJ: Famous for warblers and raptors.
Magee Marsh, OH: “The Warbler Capital of the World.”
Hawk Ridge, MN: Watch thousands of hawks soar overhead.
Bosque del Apache, NM: Home to Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese in late fall.
Point Reyes, CA: A hotspot for shorebirds and rare vagrants.
For Further information about birding hotspots download the app at travel Audubon.
Backyard Checklist for Migrating Birds
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Offer diverse food: seeds, suet, nectar, fruit | Supports different species |
| 2 | Plant native shrubs and trees | Provides food + shelter |
| 3 | Provide fresh water (moving if possible) | Hydration is critical |
| 4 | Keep cats indoors | Safer for birds (and cats) |
| 5 | Turn off outdoor lights | Prevents disorientation |
| 6 | Leave brush piles & leaf litter | Insects + cover for ground feeders |
Conservation Corner: Small Actions, Big Impact
Migration is risky—habitat loss, light pollution, and climate shifts all make it harder. The good news? Your backyard can be part of the solution.
Use bird-safe decals on windows to prevent collisions.
Swap ornamentals for native plants that provide real nutrition. (We love celebrating this idea through our Backyard sanctuary collection — every tee supports bird-friendly habitats.)
Support groups like the Audubon Society working to protect migratory pathways.
Every birdbath, seed feeder, and native shrub makes your yard a safer layover for traveling birds.
FAQs about Fall Bird Migration
Q1: What’s the best month to see migration?
September and October are peak months, but some species move as early as August or as late as November.
Q2: Will leaving feeders up stop birds from migrating?
Nope—daylight length, not food, triggers migration. Feeders just help them refuel.
Q3: Do lights affect migrating birds?
Yes. Bright lights disorient birds. Join local “Lights Out” campaigns to help.
Q4: How far do some birds travel?
Arctic Terns travel from pole to pole—over 25,000 miles! Warblers may travel 3,000 miles south.
Q5: What’s the busiest migration flyway?
The Mississippi Flyway—nearly 40% of North American waterfowl use it.
Q6: What’s the easiest way to make my yard bird-friendly?
Start small: add water, a feeder, and one or two native shrubs. Birds will find you.
Conclusion: Your Backyard, Their Highway
Fall migration is one of nature’s greatest wonders, and your yard can play a starring role. By offering food, water, and shelter, you transform your space into a life-saving rest stop for weary travelers.
From colorful tanagers in the Southwest to thrushes in the Northeast, every feathered visitor brings a little magic to autumn. If you’d like to celebrate that connection year-round, explore our Backyard Sanctuary Collection—inspired by the plants and habitats that help migrating birds along the way. So, grab your binoculars, sip your coffee, and enjoy the show—it only happens once a year, and it’s free, right above your head.