Attracting Birds with September Seedheads and Feeders
As autumn deepens and the garden’s riot of insects and fruit dwindles, birds begin to rely on your plot as a crucial food source. September is the month to let seedheads stand, refresh your feeders, and create a haven for goldfinches, tits, sparrows, robins, and more. By combining natural food with well-placed feeders, you’ll enjoy birdlife all autumn and help your feathered friends prepare for the colder months ahead.
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Why September Matters for Birds
- Natural food is declining: Insects, berries, and harvest leftovers dwindle as weather cools.
- Migration and preparation: Some birds are fattening up for migration, others for winter survival.
- Seedheads mature: Native wildflowers and ornamental plants offer vital seed sources into autumn.
How to Use Seedheads to Attract Birds
Let These Stand:
- Sunflowers: A goldfinch favorite—leave tall stalks as long as seeds remain.
- Teasel, Echinacea, and Rudbeckia: Finches and siskins love these for autumn meals.
- Nasturtium, Cosmos, and Marigold: Sparrows and buntings enjoy small seeds.
- Grasses and Sedges: Their feathery, seed-filled heads are eaten by various small birds.
- Thistles: Vital for goldfinches and other finches—let seedheads dry fully.
Tip: Don’t “tidy up” your borders too quickly; seed-ripening is just as important for birds as colorful flowers are for you!
Refresh Feeders for Autumn
- Clean thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then dry—prevents diseases like trichomonosis or salmonella.
- Restock with variety: Black sunflower hearts, nyjer seed, suet balls, mealworms, and peanuts (in mesh feeders for safety).
- Position feeders near shrubs and trees for shelter (but far from hiding cats).
- Keep water topped up—a shallow birdbath or bowl with pebbles is vital.
Extra Bird-Friendly Steps in September
- Leave fallen fruit (apples, pears) on the ground: Blackbirds, thrushes, and robins appreciate this autumn treat.
- Let ivy bloom: Ivy flowers are a late nectar source for insects—and when berries arrive in winter, a feast for birds.
- Plant for the future: Autumn is a good time to add berrying shrubs or hedges such as hawthorn, holly, cotoneaster, or rowan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Removing stems and seedheads too soon—wait until late winter or early spring if possible.
- Using dirty, moldy, or empty feeders—always keep them fresh.
- Feeding bread (not healthy for birds, can cause problems for chicks and adults alike).
Enjoy the Show!
Binoculars and a cup of tea—watch “your” birds feast, squabble, and fluff their feathers. Keep a notebook of species you spot; you’ll be amazed how much more variety turns up as autumn deepens and seedheads ripen!