September is such a perfect month! Milder temperatures, wildflowers blooming, there are butterflies flitting everywhere, and most importantly, September and October are the peak of fall bird migration. Tanagers (like the one shown to the right), Grosbeaks, Orioles, Flycatchers and much more are headed south to their wintering grounds in the tropics. Early mornings are a great time to see migrants that have been traveling all night as they land at dawn to rest and fuel up. Local parks and wooded recreation areas, or even your own yard can attracts dozens of birds. Watch for them feeding in the treetops or drinking and bathing in birdbaths or small streams.

Unfortunately, fall is kind of a downer at our bird feeders. Many of the young birds that hung around all summer have dispersed and there is so much natural food (like seeds, acorns, insects, berries and fruits) available, that birds just don't visit our feeders as often. Make sure that your seed and suet stay fresh since it will probably sit in your feeder longer - shake feeders occasionally to break up clumps (especially if it's rainy or humid), use fewer or smaller feeders and check for any mold or mildew often.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will be passing through until the end of October, although activity will decline over the next few weeks. Be sure to keep at least one or two feeders up for winter hummers, which are already arriving.