How to Feed Our Feathered Fly-through Guests

Central Florida is a hotspot for bird migration, especially during spring and fall when the Atlantic Flyway brings a wide variety of species through the region. Bird enthusiasts can expect to see colorful songbirds like painted buntings, indigo buntings, warblers, and orioles, as well as hummingbirds and migratory raptors such as swallow-tailed kites and broad-winged hawks.

To attract these beautiful travelers, the right combination of feeders and feed is key. Tube feeders with black oil sunflower seeds appeal to cardinals, buntings, and finches. Nyjer (thistle) seed feeders will bring in goldfinches and pine siskins. Orioles are drawn to orange halves, grape jelly, and nectar feeders, while hummingbirds prefer sugar-water nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, no dye).

For ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows, scatter white millet or cracked corn in a platform feeder. Suet cakes attract woodpeckers, warblers, and chickadees, especially during cooler months. Keeping feeders clean and filled, especially during peak migration (March–May and September–November), increases your chances of hosting these colorful guests.

Adding native flowering plants like coral honeysuckle and firebush can enhance your yard’s appeal to both migratory and resident birds. Providing fresh water through a birdbath or dripper also helps meet birds’ hydration needs during long flights. With the right setup, your backyard can become an important stopover for birds on their incredible journeys.