Planting for Birds – Fall Session

While habitat loss poses challenges for birds and wildlife worldwide, creating backyard habitats offers a solution! In this four-part series, participants will learn about ways to improve backyard habitats throughout different seasons. Each program will focus on the seasonal needs of birds and specific ways to support them, using examples from the sanctuary grounds of the RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme. Each session will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor exploration of the sanctuary grounds and gardens, accompanied by handouts that list the plants mentioned for each session.

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, many birds begin their journey south to their wintering grounds. To prepare for these long migrations, they must build up essential energy reserves. Some birds leave Connecticut after breeding here, while others pass through on their way further south. Certain plants provide fuel for migrating birds, aiding them on their journey. Adding these plants to a yard can make a meaningful difference in supporting their migration.