Fall Backyard Birding Checklist: 13 Tips to Attract More Birds to Your Yard This Autumn

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1. Double the number of seed and suet feeders around your yard, as birds are currently flocking and there are many more mouths to feed.
2. Switch to hopper-style feeders, which are more practical than tray feeders at times when the moisture from rain and snow can ruin food. Tube feeders work well in inclement weather, too.
3. Stockpile all types of sunflower seeds. These offer the greatest amount of energy for the birds of fall and winter.
4. Check the condition of feeders and squirrel baffles to make sure they will make it through the winter. Replace the ones you can’t repair.
5. In the North, switch exclusively to suet and a few types of birdseed, as the birds that enjoy fruit and insects have gone south for the winter.
6. After the last of the orioles and hummingbirds have passed through your area, remove and clean all sugar-water feeders.
7. Protect stored bird food by securing it in waterproof garbage cans. Place bricks or bungee cords on top of lids to keep out raccoons and squirrels. (Check out more brilliant bungee cord hacks.)
8. Birds that are migrating south need water to both refresh themselves and keep their feathers in good shape for smoother flying.
9. Shut down birdbaths and ponds after the last migrants have passed through, unless you live in a frost-free zone. Otherwise, an electric birdbath heater may be used to attract thirsty birds.
10. Take down most birdhouses. To remove parasites and insects, clean with a solution of soap, water and 10 per cent bleach. (Don’t miss these fascinating facts about bluebirds!)
11. Leave up a couple of birdhouses to serve as weatherproof roosting sites for chickadees, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
12. During your fall yard cleanup, collect woody plant clippings to create brush piles. These will protect ground birds and other wildlife.
13. Plant a few evergreen trees and/or shrubs around feeders to help birds hide from predators, and to offer security during cold winter nights.

Next, check out this gorgeous gallery of Canadian birds caught on camera.