Fuel fall migrations

Discover native blooms and berries for your backyard that fuel butterflies.

Millions of songbirds, hummingbirds, and monarch butterflies migrate through Oklahoma each fall on their way to southern wintering grounds. Roughly half of North America’s migratory waterfowl migrate along the Central Flyway that passes through the state. Hundreds of songbird species also pass through Oklahoma, including many birds that commonly visit backyard feeders such as finches, orioles, nuthatches and chickadees, to name a few. 

In the weeks prior to migration and during the flight itself, many birds switch from eating insects to consuming high-energy fruits produced by native plants to fuel their migrations. Planting a diversity of fruiting trees and shrubs that come into production in late summer and fall is a great way to not only attract songbirds to your landscape but also assist them on their long southward journey.

Three species of hummingbird migrate through Oklahoma in September and October on their way to warmer winter locales. Most widespread among these are ruby-throated hummingbirds. Black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds commonly migrate through the western part of the state, the latter making its way south from breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest.

Monarch butterflies also pass through Oklahoma in the millions as they make their way to the Oyamel fir forests of south-central Mexico. Monarch migration peaks between late September and early October in Oklahoma. Both monarchs and hummingbirds need large amounts of sugar to fuel their migrations. Give these species a boost by planting an abundance of fall-blooming plants in the landscape.

Fruits to fuel bird migrations

Fruiting trees and shrubs not only deliver sustenance but also provide birds a place to rest between long flights. Carolina buckthorn (Rhamnus carolinia) and rusty blackhaw (Vibnurnum rufidulum) provide excellent cover and autumn fruits. In smaller gardens, vines can create habitat while supplying fruit. Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a gorgeous option, with red berries interspersed among vibrant blooms adored by hummingbirds. Another native, American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), produces an abundance of bright orange berries in late summer and early autumn.

Native shrubs also provide good cover and abundant fruits. Strawberry euonymus (Euonymus americanus) and coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) are underused natives for shady sites, while American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) needs no introduction. Adored for their vibrant purple color, beautyberry fruits provide a fall feast for catbirds, wood thrushes, northern mockingbirds and other songbirds.

Keep feeding the hummingbirds

Gardeners can support hummingbirds by planting nectar-rich, fall-blooming plants like autumn sage (Salvia gregii) and Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. Drummondii). Last season, I planted a hummingbird shrub (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) near my front door and every time I left the house, I saw hummingbirds darting among the red blooms.

Confusion abounds regarding when to remove hummingbird feeders in fall. As a rule, continue filling feeders until two weeks after seeing the last hummingbird in your garden or until the end of October. This ensures plenty of food remains available for lingering birds.

Blooms to support monarch butterflies

While monarch caterpillars require milkweed plants to support development, the adult butterflies feed on nectar from a wide variety of plants. Fall-blooming natives are ideal for fueling monarch migrations. Asters such as aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) and the golden blooms of showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) always buzz with life in autumn.

One of the most visited flowers in my fall garden is Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii). The lavender-blue blooms of this drought-tolerant perennial attracting monarchs, queen butterflies, red admirals and many other pollinators. The hummingbird plants listed above also support monarchs and other butterflies.

The best way to support migrating birds and butterflies is to plant a diversity of fruiting and flowering plants in the garden. Supplement these with energy-rich seed, suet, or sugar water in feeders and watch your garden come to life.