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.

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!