Photo courtesy of David Wheeler

by Don Torino

The great Conservationist John Muir said   "'When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world ".

That is especially true when it comes to our own backyards.  Autumn is a beautiful time of transition in New Jersey. Some of our great backyard birds have left, such as the Orioles, Hummingbirds and Catbirds.  Some of our other favorites have changed into their winter plumage.  The Goldfinch, for example, has changed from its brilliant gold to an olive drab color to be better camouflaged through the long winter months. 

Many species of birds such as Warblers and Thrushes use our yards as stop-over points to rest and refuel and continue on their long journey.  Many wonderful birds have returned to spend the winter with us as well, joining our year-round birds such as Cardinals, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse and Nuthatches.  Dark-eyed Juncos and other native Sparrow species like the White-throated, Fox, American Tree, and White-Crowned Sparrows are already calling our backyards home for the winter. 

And this winter in New Jersey, the  Purple Finch, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, and Pine Siskin have arrived.  Crossbills or even Common Redpolls might not be far behind.

That is the wonderful thing about  New Jersey - every season and every year is different.  One never knows what mother nature will bring to our backyards this year!

Specific to 2010, this season is starting out on a tough note for our birds, due to the severe summer heat and drought.  Foods  that are important  to migratory birds, such as spicebush berries, have been shriveling up and falling to the ground.  You may have also  noticed acorns dropping early.  These are critical sources of food that will not be at  a premium this fall.

Thankfully, there are things we can do to help:
1. Keep your birdbaths full and clean
2. Keep suet, nut mixes, and mealworms available
3. Put out a fruit feeder with apples and grapes
4. For next year, consider landscaping your yard with native plant.

Remember, your backyard - no matter how small - is an important habitat.  Let us know what birds come to your backyard this fall. If you have any questions please let us know if we can help.

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