Fuel the Journey: 5 Ways to Help Migrating Birds This Fall
Birds are traveling thousands of miles this fall — here’s how you can support them from your own backyard.
Every fall, millions of birds take to the skies in one of nature’s most incredible movements: migration. From warblers and thrushes to hummingbirds and hawks, they travel hundreds — even thousands — of miles to reach their wintering grounds.
But these journeys are getting harder.
Habitat loss, climate change, and urban sprawl have left migrating birds with fewer safe places to rest and refuel. Many species are declining, and over 3 billion birds have disappeared from North America since 1970.
The good news? We can all help. Even small patches of habitat — a balcony, a backyard, or a windowsill — can offer migrating birds the food, shelter, and water they need to keep going.
Here are five simple ways to fuel the flight this fall:
🌾 1. Leave Seed Heads Standing
Native flowers like coneflowers, goldenrod, and black-eyed Susans are essential food sources for migrating sparrows, finches, and more. Instead of trimming them back, let seed heads stay through the season.
🍂 2. Let the Leaves Lie
Fallen leaves shelter the insects birds rely on — from caterpillars to beetles. Skip the fall leaf blowout and allow some natural cover to remain under shrubs or trees. It’s good for birds and soil health.
🌳 3. Plant Native Shrubs with Fall Berries
Shrubs like dogwood, elderberry, viburnum, and serviceberry produce berries timed perfectly with fall migration. They’re rich in nutrients and help birds build energy reserves for long flights.
Native plants do more than brighten your yard—they provide the nectar, seeds, and shelter that migrating birds depend on during their long journeys. Every goldenrod patch, serviceberry shrub, or milkweed stand offers a rest stop packed with the fuel our feathered friends need. That’s why our sanctuary collection celebrates the power of planting native—because when you grow with purpose, you help birds go the distance. 👉 Shop Backyard sanctuary collection
💡 4. Turn Off Outdoor Lights at Night
Artificial lighting can disorient migrating birds, drawing them off-course or into buildings. Help keep the skies safe by turning off exterior lights when not needed and closing curtains during migration peaks. Read more about lights out programs at Bird cast.
💧 5. Provide Clean Water
Migration is physically demanding. A shallow birdbath, dish, or drippy water source can give birds a critical drink and even encourage short stopovers. Just be sure to clean the water every couple of days.
Your Yard Can Make a Difference
Together, our individual spaces form a patchwork of critical rest stops across the continent. Whether you have a full garden or a single flower pot, you can be part of the solution.
When we make space for birds, we also make space for beauty, balance, and a more resilient world.
🐦 Wear What You Believe
Some of the species migrating this fall are endangered — and the biggest threat they face is habitat loss.
Our Flights at Risk Shirt Collection was designed to raise awareness and support for birds at risk (endangered or declining). Each design features anatomically accurate illustrations and if endangered a message of quiet urgency: these birds matter.