What Fall Migration Means for Backyard Birding in South Jersey

Migration is the seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds.

We are hearing a lot about fall migration right now in the birding world. We know that bird populations are changing as many birds move south for the winter months. Many people have asked me about fall migration and what to expect for backyard birding in winter in our area. Through these conversations, I’ve realized that many people think all the birds are leaving and winter will be a barren time for enjoying birds. This couldn’t be further from the truth, thankfully!

Winter is an amazing time to enjoy backyard birds - most birds visiting backyard habitats in our area do not migrate (they stay in the same area/region). Your cardinals, titmice, chickadees, and many other birds are here all year! Experienced backyard birders know that winter is the best time to feed birds, as this is when they need it the most (due to loss of habitat and natural food sources). Backyard birds visit feeders much more often during winter, and keeping feeders clean and seed fresh is much easier. And the loss of leaves on many deciduous trees means that it’s easier than ever to see and enjoy the birds. 

What is fall migration, and why do birds migrate?

Fall migration refers to a seasonal movement of birds from their breeding grounds (generally more north) to their wintering grounds (generally more south). Migration is an integral part of a bird's life cycle and serves several crucial purposes:

Escaping Harsh Weather In the northern US, winters are very cold, and harsh weather makes survival challenging for many birds. By migrating to warmer regions during winter, birds can find more abundant food and milder temperatures, increasing their chances of survival. Some species can tolerate cold and fluctuating temperatures, while others can’t.

Breeding Success and Resource Availability Many birds that nest in the United States tend to migrate north in the spring to take advantage of abundant insect populations, budding plants and seeds, and a wide selection of nesting locations to raise their young. As fall and winter approach and daylight hours grow shorter, the availability of insects and other food sources dramatically decreases, and birds move south again towards more abundant food sources. During the winter months, birds do not nest or raise young.

Why do some birds migrate, but others do not?

Not all birds species, particularly backyard birds, fully migrate as a species. Several factors influence a bird's decision to stay put during the winter:

A cedar waxwing surrounded by winter berries.

Year-round Food Availability Birds that can find sufficient food throughout the year may not need to migrate. Species like cardinals, chickadees, and some woodpeckers often remain in their habitats year-round, provided they can access food sources. And many birds, like Blue Jays and Nuthatches, have been caching food in preparation for the winter.

Behavioral Adaptations Some birds, like the American Crow, have adapted to winter conditions by forming communal roosts and utilizing various strategies to stay warm and find food.

Energy Conservation Migration is a physically demanding journey that requires significant energy expenditure. For some species, staying in their current habitat and conserving energy may be a more viable strategy than undertaking long-distance migration.

What bids can we expect to see in our backyards in the South Jersey area during the winter? Here is a list to give you an idea. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and much of the bird activity in your yard depends on the habitat around you. Are you close to water and woodland habitats, or do you live in a highly suburban area? These details matter! But in general, this list will give you an idea of what to expect in winter suburban habitats in South Jersey.

Happy birding, y’all!