Where to see birds this fall

Fall is the perfect time to go bird watching. The air is crisp, the foliage is stunning and a variety of fascinating species are on the move. Here are several types of places where you’re likely to spot birds this fall.

• Migration flyways. Birds reliably use the same pathways to migrate every year. Visit a wildlife refuge or a nature center that’s located along one of these corridors to see them.

• Agricultural fields. When grain gets harvested from farms, birds typically arrive to feast on the leftovers. You’ll have a better chance of seeing them when the fields are near forests, which offer shelter.

• Parks and orchards. Fall fruits and flowers attract birds when other food sources are scarce. Migratory birds will often make a stopover in these places to load up on calories before making the long trip south.

• Your backyard. If you take the right steps, you can bird watch from the comfort of your own home. Offer nutrient-dense foods like black sunflower seeds, millet and suet, and plant evergreens that provide shelter year-round.

Fall is a great time to spot unique birds if you know where to look. Contact your local birding club or organization for more information about the best places to find them.