Field editors reveal the reasons why they love fall birding just as much (if not more) than birding in other seasons.
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Migrating Water Birds and Raptors
“I enjoy seeing the diversity of waterfowl that migrate through the area on our county lake and reservoir. In the fall, pelicans, loons, ducks and more stop here in Kansas. It’s a joy catching sight of bald eagles and osprey that are usually hard to spot until the leaves begin falling to the ground,” says field editor Jennifer Broadstreet Hess.
Check out the top birding hotspots for fall migration.
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Feathers, Flowers and Colorful Foliage
“For me, birding in the fall is like finding hidden treasures! Catching sight of migrating warblers in the mix of autumn flowers and colorful leaves is the best,” says Boni Harrington Trombetta.
Grow a gorgeous fall garden your birds will love.
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Fewer Leaves to Hide Birds
“Though I love all the leaves, after they start falling and thin out, it is easier to see more birds in the trees. I also love seeing the migrating birds coming through,” says Teresa Holland.
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Identify Birds in Fall Plumage
“I love the challenge of trying to identify warblers in the fall when their plumage tends to be more muted. It’s a great time to get the bird guidebooks out and study and compare each bird’s various features,” says Judy Roberts.
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Cooler Fall Weather for Birding
“The temperatures are cooler, which makes it much more enjoyable to sit outside. Listening to the birds, watching the activity at the feeders, catching sight of a migrator or two and laughing at the squirrels…it’s a promise of more frequent outings to come this fall and winter. What’s not to love about fall birding,” says Kathy Eppers.
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Rare Birding Discoveries in Fall
“This is the time of year when unexpected vagrants are found in Alberta. In the past week or so a little blue heron, blue-winged warbler and most recently an ancient murrelet have been observed. Sometimes I make a twitch for them, but it’s always better to be the birder that finds the treasure for others to twitch,” says Ken Orich.
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Fall Is Harvest Season for Birds
“(I love) hearing all the blue jays fighting over the acorns,” says Ayesha Aych.
READ ON: The best fall bird feeder tips
