Feeding Garden Birds in September: Supporting Wildlife as the Seasons Change

September is a month of transition in our gardens. The warmth of summer lingers, but the mornings feel fresher, the evenings draw in earlier, and there’s a sense that autumn is just around the corner. For garden birds, September is a busy and important time of year. Some species are preparing for long migratory journeys, while others are recovering from the energy spent raising chicks through spring and summer. Natural food sources are beginning to change too, which means our garden feeders can play a big part in supporting local and visiting birds.

In this blog, we’ll look at what birds are up to in September, which species you might spot in your garden, and what the best foods are to offer them during this transitional month.

What Are Birds Doing in September?

bird eating from a seed feeder

After the frantic activity of the breeding season and the feather-shedding of moulting in August, September brings a calmer but no less vital phase in a bird’s year. Many garden birds are regaining their strength and looking to build up energy reserves for the colder months ahead. At the same time, the shifting daylight and seasonal changes prompt some species to begin migration.

For resident birds like robins, blue tits, great tits, blackbirds, and sparrows, September is about replenishing energy and storing up reserves. They’ll take advantage of berries, seeds, and insects in the hedgerows, as well as any supplementary food we provide in gardens.

For migratory species, September is a staging post. Some birds that nested in the UK, such as swallows, house martins, and willow warblers, are preparing for or embarking on their journeys south to Africa. Others, like chiffchaffs and blackcaps, may remain if the autumn and winter are mild, but many still migrate to warmer climates. Meanwhile, we start to see the first arrivals of winter visitors, including redwings and fieldfares, which fly in from Scandinavia and northern Europe later in the month.

What Birds Might You See in Your Garden?

September can be a surprisingly varied month at the bird table, as both resident and migrating birds pass through. If you live near coastal areas or wetlands, you may also spot wading birds and waterfowl arriving from northern breeding grounds. Some of the species you’re most likely to see include:

  • robin sat amongst greenery

    Robins

    Becoming more noticeable again as they finish moulting and begin to sing their autumn song.

  • blue tit sat on a branch

    Blue tits and great tits

    Active around feeders, often in small family groups.

  • goldfinch on a bird feeder

    Goldfinches

    Still attracted to niger seed and sunflower hearts, often arriving in flocks.

  • blackbird in the rain

    Blackbirds and thrushes

    Feeding on berries, windfall fruit, and insects.
  • greenfinch eating from a red tray

    Chaffinches and greenfinches

    Increasingly common as hedgerows provide seed-rich food.

  • swallow sat on a wire

    Swallows and housemartins

    Gathering in numbers overhead before leaving for Africa.

  • blackcap sat on a branch

    Warblers (such as chiffchaffs and blackcaps)

    Some lingering in gardens as they prepare to migrate.

  • thrush sat on a branch

    Migrating thrushes (like redwings and fieldfares)

    Possible by late September in northern and eastern parts of the UK.

What to Feed Garden Birds in September

With the change of seasons, natural food supplies fluctuate. Berries and seeds begin to ripen, but insect numbers fall, particularly on cooler or wetter days. Providing a steady supply of nutritious food in your garden helps birds top up their energy and prepare for the harsher months ahead. Here are some of the best foods to offer in September:

Premium Quality Sunflower Hearts - Haith's

Sunflower Hearts and Black Sunflower Seeds

Packed with calories and easy to eat, sunflower hearts are a favourite of goldfinches, greenfinches, tits, and many other species. They’re especially useful at this time of year when birds are building fat reserves.

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Loose niger seed.

Niger Seed

If you love watching goldfinches, niger seed is a must. Its high oil content provides plenty of energy, and it attracts siskins and
redpolls too.

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Close-up of a pile of peanuts

Peanuts

Rich in fat and protein, peanuts are excellent for garden birds in September. Just make sure they’re offered in a mesh feeder to prevent choking, especially for smaller birds and fledglings still learning to feed themselves.

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Great British Suet Fat Balls (no nets) - Haith's

Suet and Fat Balls

Even though the weather isn’t yet wintry, suet is valuable in September. Birds need the extra calories for migration or for putting on weight ahead of colder months. Suet pellets, balls, or blocks attract a wide variety of species.

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Dried Mealworms for wild birds - Haith's

Mealworms (dried or live)

Insect-eating birds such as robins, wrens, and blackbirds appreciate mealworms. They’re particularly useful as natural insect supplies begin to dwindle.

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Raisins - Haith's

Fruit

Windfall apples, pears, and plums can be left out for thrushes, blackbirds, and starlings. Soft fruit such as grapes and raisins (soaked first to soften them) are also enjoyed.

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premium wild bird food

Seed Mixes

A good-quality seed mix provides a balanced option for a wide range of garden birds. Look for mixes without too much wheat, as this mainly attracts larger birds like pigeons.

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Tips for Feeding Birds in September

  • Keep feeders clean: As the weather turns damper, it’s vital to clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Offer fresh water: A bird bath is just as important as food. Birds need to drink and keep their feathers clean for efficient flight.
  • Be consistent: Regular feeding helps birds know they can rely on your garden as a safe food source.
  • Watch for migration visitors: Keep an eye out for unusual birds passing through - migration can bring surprises.
  • Avoid bread: It has little nutritional value and can be harmful in large amounts. Stick to seeds, suet, and fruit.

A Rewarding Month for Birdwatchers

Feeding garden birds in September is about more than just providing food - it’s about connecting with the rhythms of nature. Watching swallows gather before migration, spotting the first redwings arrive, or seeing a robin reclaim its territory with song are all moments that remind us of the changing seasons.

By offering a variety of nutritious foods, keeping feeders clean and well-stocked, and creating a bird-friendly garden, we can help our garden birds through this transitional month. In return, they bring colour, activity, and joy to our gardens as summer fades and autumn begins.

September is a month of change for garden birds - some are leaving, some are arriving, and many are simply rebuilding their strength. By providing the right foods and a welcoming environment, you can play an important role in supporting them through this crucial stage of their year.

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