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By Olivia Carvalho, Community Engagement Specialist
Fall in Canada is a season of change, for us and for birds. As the leaves begin to turn, many birds are en route migrating south, while others are preparing to stay for the long winter ahead. What we do in our gardens right now can make a big difference in how birds find food, shelter, and safety in the months to come. The choices we make at home ripple outward, supporting biodiversity and bird conservation across the country. This fall, let’s turn our yards into the perfect place to welcome avian guests over the winter.
American Robin on Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina). Photo: Sandra Hawkins
Why Fall Matters for Birds
Fall is a critical season for birds. Migrants need energy-rich foods to fuel their journeys, while overwintering species like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and American Goldfinches rely on local resources to survive through snow and cold. Simple actions like leaving seedheads and leaf litter in place help birds and the insects they depend on. When thousands of us across the country take these steps together, our gardens become part of a nationwide network of bird-friendly habitat.
Fall Planting: Set the Table
We often think of fall as the time to put your garden to bed, but it’s actually a great time to plant! Cooler soil temperatures and autumn rains help new plants establish strong roots before winter. By choosing native plants, we set the table for birds not just this season, but year after year.
- Perennials like asters and goldenrod provide late-season nectar and seeds. American Goldfinches often feast on their seedheads well into winter.
- Fruit-bearing shrubs like viburnum or winterberry offer berries that sustain species such as jays, robins, and waxwings.
- Native grasses and sedges hold seeds and create shelter for sparrows and other ground-feeding birds.
Planting in fall means your garden will be ready to burst into life the following spring when birds and pollinators need it most. It also sets the groundwork for a natural feeder that provides shelter and sustenance for birds in every season. Head to the Bird Gardens website to find plants suitable for your region!
Yellow-rumped Warbler on a Cockspur Hawthorne (Crataegus crus-galli). Photo: Mike Norton
Fall Clean-Up: Create Ambiance
Traditional fall clean-up often means cutting everything down and bagging leaves, but birds benefit when we leave the dead stalks and foliage behind, delaying clean-up until spring. It also acts as a natural mulch that feeds your garden. A real win-win!
- Leave seedheads standing: coneflowers, sunflowers, and grasses provide natural bird feeders.
- Rake less: instead of bagging leaves, pile them under shrubs or in garden corners. These leaf piles shelter insects and small creatures that become food for birds in spring.
- Keep brushy corners: shrubs, brush piles, and plant stalks offer cover from predators and protection from harsh weather.
These small choices mimic natural processes, creating mini-habitats where birds can forage, hide, and rest. Sparrows scratching under leaves or chickadees picking at dried seedheads remind us that delaying garden clean-up can make for a diverse and productive habitat in your yard.
American Goldfinch on Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Photo: Ellen Tommasi
Get Ready for Guests
As temperatures dip, setting up bird feeders can be a lifeline for winter birds, and a joy for us. It’s also a fun way to contribute to science and conservation.
Project FeederWatch is a volunteer survey of birds that visit backyards and feeders across Canada from November through April. By counting the birds at your feeders, you help scientists track population trends and understand how birds are coping with environmental change.
To prepare:
- Clean feeders before use to prevent the spread of disease. Make sure to clean regularly throughout the season!
- Stock with favourites like black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, or nyjer, depending on species in your region. (We have a blog post on how to choose!)
- Place feeders near cover such as shrubs or evergreens, giving birds safe places to perch and shelter from winter storms.
Joining FeederWatch turns your feeder into a conservation tool where your data helps shape bird protection across North America. Join us for the 39th season, beginning on November 1st, 2025.
Bird Gardens in Action
One of the best things about late season planting is getting to see how quickly your garden transforms over the course of the next year. In August 2024, a native garden was installed at the Birds Canada office in Port Rowan, ON. This Sun Garden was placed in an area that used to be lawn and now encompasses 44 native species that host insects and birds throughout the seasons. Take a look at how much this garden filled out in just a single year!
Left: Birds Canada Sun Garden on August 15, 2024 (planting day), Right: Birds Canada Sun Garden on July 16, 2025 (11 months after planting)
Join the Backyard Party
This fall, let’s rethink our gardens as welcoming spaces for birds. By planting native species, leaving seedheads and leaves, setting up feeders, and joining Project FeederWatch, we create a backyard party that keeps birds sheltered and fueled through the winter.
Each action we take adds up to something bigger: a Canada where birds thrive, supported by both science and community.
So put down that rake and grab your planting trowel, there’s a party going on and your feathered guests will be arriving soon.
You’re Invited
The 39th season of Project FeederWatch begins on November 1st! Join thousands of passionate birders for an unforgettable winter of learning and hosting Canada’s winter backyard guests. Start your FeederWatch journey here.
Gardening for Birds and Project FeederWatch are delivered by Birds Canada, with generous support from Wild Birds Unlimited.
