August is the perfect time to pay focus on nature's rhythms as summer comes to an end. Birdwatching in Ontario in late summer is one of the most rewarding things you can do. During one of the busiest times of the year, Brampton's parks, tree-lined streets, and thriving backyards can make your outdoor space a haven for birds.
This guide will show you how to attract birds to Brampton using feeders, water sources, and the right plants, whether you're new to birding or already know your chickadees from your goldfinches. These methods will not only bring in colourful visitors, but they will also help bird populations get ready for their fall migration.
Why August is a Great Time to Watch Birds in Ontario
Birds are very busy in late summer. A lot of animals are getting ready to migrate long distances, shed their old feathers, or feed their second brood. You might see more people out and about than you did in early summer, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
In the GTA and Brampton, these birds are common in late summer:
- Goldfinches from the United States
- House finches
- Doves of mourning
- Chickadees
- Woodpeckers with downy feathers
- The ruby-throated hummingbird
Making your yard more inviting now means you might see more birds and help them get ready for their trip south.
1. Pick the Best Feeders for August
The way you set up your feeder in late summer is a little different from how you set it up in spring or winter.
Finches and other small seed-eaters do well with tube feeders.
Larger birds, like cardinals and mourning doves, are drawn to hopper feeders.
Suet feeders are still useful, especially for woodpeckers, but hang them in the shade so they don't melt.
In August, you need to have hummingbird feeders because the birds eat a lot to get ready for their migration.
Suggestions for seeds:
- Black oil sunflower seeds (which most birds love)
- Thistle and nyjer seeds for finches
- Cardinals like safflower seeds
- Hummingbirds like nectar that is four parts water to one part sugar. No red dye is needed.
How to Place Feeders:
- Put feeders close to places where animals can hide, like trees or bushes.
- Fill them up often and keep them clean.
- Use poles or baffles to keep squirrels away.
2. Give them a steady supply of water
A clean, shallow water source is one of the best ways to attract birds as the rain slows down in late summer. Birdbaths help birds drink water and keep their feathers clean.
Advice for Birdbaths:
- Every two to three days, change the water.
- Put stones or marbles in for perching.
- To keep predators away, put it close to cover but where they can see it from above.
- Think about getting a fountain that runs on solar power to get more attention.
3. Put in native plants for birds
Native plants give animals food, shelter, and places to build their nests. In late summer, they are a very important source of seeds and berries.
Best Native Plants for Birds in Ontario:
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): Give finches seeds
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier): Gives you berries in the late summer
- Elderberry (Sambucus): A plant that many animals like
- Tall grass called switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) provides both cover and seeds.
- Sunflowers are easy to grow and have a lot of seeds.
Extra Tip: Don't use pesticides because they can hurt birds and the bugs they eat.
4. Make a place where birds can live safely
When making a bird-friendly space in your backyard, you need to think about more than just feeders and plants.
Birdwatching in your backyard:
- Let one part of your garden grow wild or not be mowed.
- Put brush piles or dead wood in the area for shelter.
- Put up a nesting box for wrens or chickadees.
- To keep birds safe, keep your pet cats inside.
- These things help keep your backyard's ecosystem healthy.
5. Make sure feeders are clean and safe
The heat and humidity of the summer can ruin seeds and make mould grow.
Checklist for Taking Care of Your Feeder:
- Use a bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) to clean feeders every week or two.
- Let them dry completely before filling them again.
- Every day, take out the old seeds from the trays.
- Birds that eat well are healthy, and there are more of them.
In conclusion, helping wildlife in Brampton all year long
If you make your garden bird-friendly in August, you'll be able to watch birds better now and get ready for the fall migration. You can join a network of backyard habitats that stretches across Ontario by putting out the right feeders, native plants, and clean water sources.
These efforts really do make a difference, whether you live in suburban Brampton or a nearby rural area. And what do you get? A front-row seat to the beauty and wonder of animals in the area.