Fall is prime time for birdwatching, as many species bulk up for migration or settle in for the cooler months. With the right food and feeders, you can turn your yard into a five-star bird buffet (no reservations required).
Stick with us and we’ll share the top 5 Colorado backyard birds to look for this fall, what they love to eat, and the simple feeder setups that keep them coming back. Best part? Everything you need is right around the block at your neighborhood Colorado Ace.
Bird #1: Mountain Chickadee
Recognizable by their cheerful “chicka-dee-dee-dee” call, Mountain Chickadees are tiny birds with big personalities. They dart around feeders with quick movements and often travel in small, chatty groups.
Food they love: Songbird Selections® Black Oil Sunflower Seed, suet, and peanuts.
Colorado Ace picks:
Helpful Tip: Chickadees are tidy eaters but like variety. Try mixing sunflower with suet for a balanced fall menu.
Bird #2: Steller’s Jay
If you hear a loud squawk followed by a flash of cobalt blue, you’ve spotted a Steller’s Jay. These bold birds are the entertainers of the Colorado backyard, strutting in with their crests raised and voices loud. They’re also clever! Don’t be surprised if they stash extra peanuts for later.
Food they love: Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
Colorado Ace picks:
Neighbor’s Pick: Jot down when you spot these showboats. Steller’s Jays are year-round residents, and they’ll happily announce themselves season after season.
Bird #3: American Goldfinch
Their golden summer feathers fade to a softer yellow in fall, but against a backdrop of aspen leaves, they still shine. Goldfinches are smaller than you might expect, and they prefer feeders that keep the seed flow steady without spilling.
Food they love: Nyjer seed (thistle) and sunflower chips.
Colorado Ace picks:
Helpful Tip: Nyjer seed is tiny. Use a finch feeder with narrow ports to reduce waste and keep squirrels from stealing the show.
Bird #4: Dark-eyed Junco
Often called “snowbirds,” Dark-eyed Juncos show up just as the air gets chilly. They’re ground feeders who prefer open trays or seed scattered on bare spots. Watch closely. Juncos often feed in flocks, making your yard a lively place on quiet fall mornings.
Food they love: Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds.
Colorado Ace picks:
Neighbor’s Pick: Sprinkle seed on low trays or directly on the ground. Juncos aren’t afraid to dine alfresco.
Bird #5: Downy Woodpecker
Small but mighty, Downy Woodpeckers are the backyard percussionists. Their steady drumming brings life to quiet mornings, and their visits often inspire other birds to join the feeder party.
Food they love: Suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
Colorado Ace picks:
Helpful Tip: Place suet feeders near trees for easy access. Woodpeckers prefer a natural perch while they snack.
Fall Feeding Tips
Want to attract the widest variety of Colorado fall birds? Think buffet, not single-plate dinner. Different birds prefer different foods, and offering variety ensures more feathered visitors.
- Keep feeders clean. A quick scrub every couple of weeks helps protect your flock from illness.
- Offer a buffet. Different foods (suet, nyjer, sunflower, millet) attract a wider range of species.
- Think ahead. Stock up before snow arrives. Your neighborhood Colorado Ace has suet cakes, nyjer feeders, and 20 lb. bags of Ace® Wild Bird Food that keep your feathered neighbors happy all season.
Ace Your Fall Birdwatching Setup
Colorado fall isn’t just about golden aspens and pumpkin spice! It’s also about giving our backyard birds a place to thrive. Stock your feeders right, and you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to nature’s best show.
Stop by your neighborhood Colorado Ace for the best birdseed, feeders, and suet cakes. Our red-vested team will help you pick the right setup so your backyard is buzzing (and chirping, and drumming) with feathered friends all season long.
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