Swainson's Hawk. Photo by author.

September Wings 

Bring on Fall! Birds are on the move through New Mexico. Keep a watchful eye on the sky, wetlands, and your backyard. From warblers to waterfowl, it’s one of the most exciting times of year to be outdoors. To celebrate Fall, join us for a bird walk and presentation with avian expert, Josiah Lavender, where we’ll explore the wonders of migration and the amazing birds passing through.

To kick off the season, Wild Birds Unlimited East hosted a ZEISS Demo Event with a bird walk, evening presentation, and hands-on demos of world-class ZEISS binoculars. One participant spotted their lifer Yellow-headed Blackbird on the binocular demo and outing at Tingley Beach.

Bird Happenings

Hummingbird activity is ramped up. Keep your feeder out all month until you have not seen a bird for two weeks. Hummingbirds will still migrate! It is the perfect time to keep nectar fresh and plentiful as your yard may be a meaningful source of food for these tiny travelers.

Look for Dark-eyed Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows making their return while keeping an eye on your yard and birdbath for southbound tanagers and buntings. Most birds have molted into their non-breeding plumage - not the bright colors of spring. By late September, migration will be in full swing!

Warblers are moving through in greater numbers, while shorebird arrival is at its peak. These birds may drop in one morning and be gone by nightfall if the weather is right. Raptors are on the move along the Rio Grande and in open spaces. Cooper’s Hawks often appear more frequently in backyards, drawn by busy feeders. Swainson's Hawks are starting their LONG migration to Argentina for the winter.

Look out for American Robins hanging out in flocks instead of staying solitary. Another noticeable difference with birds is there is less singing since establishing territories or looking for mates is over. Before we know it the Sandhill Cranes will arrive.

Caching season is here! Jays, chickadees, titmice nuthatches, and woodpeckers are busy storing away seeds, nuts, and even insects tucking them into bark crevices, beneath leaves, or in the ground. These hidden stashes are a smart survival strategy, ensuring a steady food supply when winter arrives. Their timing coincides with National Peanut Day on September 13. Peanuts are a backyard bird favorite, so consider adding a peanut feeder to attract more species.

Bird Outing & Migration Talk with Josiah Lavender

Saturday, September 13 - You have plans! Come for the walk, the talk, or both. A perfect way to celebrate fall migration and connect with fellow bird lovers. No sign up necessary.

Morning Bird Walk

8 - 10 am at Tingley Beach, Model Boat Pond - Meet at the Tugboat

In-Store Presentation | Wonders of Bird Migration

11 am Josiah will share insights about the wonders of migration

With migration in full swing, it's the perfect time to grab your binoculars, watch your feeders, join a bird outing, and savor the cooler temps of September. We are looking ahead to a season of exciting in-store events, bird sightings and bird outings designed to help you make the most of this time of year. Thank you for being part of our WBU East birding community. Let’s welcome fall together, one feathered friend at a time.

Share Your Sightings

Have something exciting in your yard or seen on a hike? Send photos to [email protected] and we may feature your photos on our website or in social media. Connect with us on social media for more tips and happenings: WBUABQ on Instagram, Wild Birds Unlimited (Albuquerque, NM East) on Facebook and on our YouTube Channel - WildBirdsUnlimited ABQEast.

Best day ever,

PD StClair team member at Wild Birds Unlimited East