For The Birds... September Skies

September brings a gentle transition to the natural world. While the calendar says autumn is approaching, many warm days still remain, creating one of the most enjoyable times of year to be outdoors. The mornings are a little crisper, goldenrod and asters brighten fields and roadsides, and birds are on the move.

Fall migration is in full swing. Warblers, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers quietly make their way south, often stopping to rest and refuel in backyards along the way. Keep an eye out for White-throated Sparrows returning from their northern breeding grounds, while American Goldfinches continue to brighten gardens as they feast on the seeds of coneflowers, sunflowers, and native thistles. On calm mornings, you may even hear the soft calls of migrating songbirds passing overhead before sunrise.

Hummingbirds may still visit feeders throughout much of the month, especially young birds making their very first migration. Don't be in a hurry to take nectar feeders down. Leaving them up through late September—or even into early October—won't delay migration, but it may provide a much-needed meal for a late traveler.

As birds prepare for winter, you'll notice increased activity at feeders. Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, and woodpeckers begin establishing winter territories, while migrating birds may appear unexpectedly for a day or two before continuing south. This is one of the best months to keep binoculars nearby because every day can bring something different.

Beyond the birds, September offers plenty to discover. Monarch butterflies continue their incredible migration to Mexico, dragonflies patrol ponds and marshes, and squirrels busily gather acorns and other nuts for the colder months ahead. Spiders become more noticeable as their intricate webs glisten with morning dew, while the first hints of red and orange begin appearing in maples and sumacs. Shorter days and cooler nights remind us that another season is just around the corner.

Take time this month to slow down and enjoy the changing rhythms of nature. Whether it's the chatter of a flock of Blue Jays, a colorful monarch drifting through the garden, or the first cool breeze of the season, September offers countless reminders that every ending is also the beginning of something new.