Your Guide to Helping Ontario’s Resident Birds this Fall Season
Fall is an exciting time to be a birder, especially in Southern Ontario! Millions of our feathered friends will migrate south in search of warmer climates. This is a great chance to view many rare species on their migration south, as well as encourage the resilient, year-round residents to call your backyard home, this coming winter season! Among them, include the charming and friendly black-capped chickadees. These hardy songbirds could use a little “chill” in the form of your thoughtful support this Fall season! You wouldn’t want to face a Canadian winter without a warm coat and a good meal, right? Our resident birds feel the same way! Luckily you can transform your backyard into the ultimate winter retreat with a few simple steps!
Autumn is a very busy time of the year for birds. Some are gearing up for a big trip to the southern climates, and some are stockpiling your seed offerings for leaner colder times. As the days get shorter and colder many birds are seeking higher fat content seeds. Think of birds like a furnace and the food they consume like fuel for the furnace. The most powerful fuel is fat content. This is one of the most important nutrients that birds will need to stay warm and fatten up for either their southern expeditions or overwintering. Some of the best fat dense seeds include: black oil sunflower, peanuts, and suet.
Often, I get asked what feeder is going to attract the most birds? The simple answer to this question is not a feeder at all. The best thing to attract an abundance of avian friends is a fresh clean water source. Investing in a heated bird bath in preparation for the sub-zero temperatures is a great idea. Water is the one necessity that all living creatures need to survive and having a reliable water source in your backyard will help to create a winter oasis.
Birdhouses are commonly called nesting boxes. Although many bird species will use them to grow their brood, they will also use them as a shelter during colder nights. Leaving your birdhouses up during the colder months is a great way to help birds stay warmer during the fall and into the winter. Resist the urge to completely clean them out also, as a little bit of insulative material goes a long way!
One of the most beloved and recognizable birds in Ontario, is the black capped chickadee. They are tiny yet mighty birds that almost seem unfazed by the colder climate. They are often the first birds to arrive at any bird feeder and recognized by their iconic chick-a-dee-dee-dee vocalizations. These black and white birds are master foragers and are known as caching birds. This means they store and hide seeds in thousands of locations, most of which they can recall at the drop of a cap. They also have an incredible ability to undergo a process called torpor. It allows them to actually lower their body temperatures at night to conserve energy. This makes them one of the most skilled birds at adapting and thriving in frigid temperatures.
Being consistent is key to encouraging birds to overwinter in your backyard! Remember, birds are intelligent creatures and remember where the best, cleanest, and abundantly available food is located! Helping Ontario’s resident birds like chickadees doesn’t require a huge amount of effort, but it can make a significant impact on their well-being. By providing reliable food sources, access to fresh water, and a safe shelter, you’ll not only be aiding in their survival but also get the added bonus of enjoying their company during fall and into winter! So, grab your birdseed, consider a heated birdbath, and get ready to offer some much-needed “chickadees and chill” to your local feathered residents this fall season!
WRITTEN BY: BRETT LAGERQUIST, Owner of Dufferin Wildlife Supplies & Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies
PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHELE BLANCHARD-SEIDEL
