Helping Birds and Wildlife During Fall Drought on Long Island

Bird baths give local birds a respite from the drought

Fall is a beautiful time of year on Long Island, with vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures setting the stage for nature’s seasonal transition. However, when drought conditions hit, they can disrupt this natural rhythm, making it difficult for birds and wildlife to find the resources they need to thrive. As residents of this beautiful ecosystem, we can all take steps to help our feathered and furry neighbors weather the challenges of a fall drought.

Why Drought Affects Wildlife

During periods of drought, water becomes scarce for all living things. Ponds, streams, and natural water sources dry up, leaving birds, insects, and other wildlife searching for alternative resources. Food sources like berries, seeds, and insects also become limited due to stressed vegetation. This can have a significant impact on migratory birds, which rely on Long Island as a stopover to refuel on their long journeys south.

By making a few adjustments to your yard and landscaping, you can create a haven for wildlife during these challenging conditions.

How You Can Help Birds and Wildlife

1. Provide Fresh Water Sources

   • Set up birdbaths, shallow pans, or small basins filled with clean water in your yard. Make sure to refill them daily to keep the water fresh and free of debris.

   • Add a small rock or perch to the water source to give smaller animals a place to land and drink safely.

2. Install a Dripper or Water Feature

   • Moving water is highly attractive to birds, and it helps keep the water fresh. Install a small dripper, bubbler, or fountain in your birdbath to encourage visits from both birds and pollinators like bees.

3. Supplement Food Sources

   • Put out feeders stocked with high-energy foods like black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and nuts to help birds sustain their energy levels during migration or drought. Don’t forget a nectar feeder for hummingbirds if they’re still around!

   • Allow native plants, like goldenrod and coneflowers, to go to seed. These provide a natural food source for birds like finches and sparrows.

4. Keep Your Native Plants Intact

   • Native plants are adapted to local conditions and provide critical food and shelter for wildlife. Avoid cutting back flowering plants and shrubs prematurely—let them set seeds for the birds.

   • If your yard has trees like oaks or maples, allow some of the leaves to remain on the ground. They serve as habitat for insects, which are a vital food source for birds.

5. Create Shelter

   • Birds and small mammals need places to rest and hide from predators, especially when water sources are exposed. Leave brush piles, thickets, or tall grasses intact to provide cover.

   • Consider installing nest boxes or roosting boxes to offer additional shelter for birds as temperatures begin to drop.

6. Avoid Chemical Use

   • Limit or eliminate pesticides and herbicides in your yard. These chemicals not only harm insects but can also poison the food chain, affecting birds and other animals that rely on those insects for food.

     
     

Be a Steward of Long Island’s Ecosystem

At TLC Tree and Lawn Care, we believe in working with nature, not against it. Fall is a great time to plan for creating a wildlife-friendly yard that helps your local ecosystem while keeping it beautiful and functional. Our team offers services like native plant preservation, fall cleanups, and tree care to support the health of your property—and the wildlife that depends on it.

If you’d like advice on how to make your yard more wildlife-friendly or need help prepping for the seasons ahead, give us a call. Together, we can make a difference for Long Island’s wildlife during times of drought and beyond.

Hashtags to Share the Love

#WildlifeCare #FallDroughtSolutions #LongIslandWildlife #BirdFriendlyYards #NativePlantsMatter #EcoFriendlyLandscaping #BirdBathBasics #HelpingNatureThrive #FallOnLongIsland #TLCForYourYard

By making small changes in your yard and routine, you can help ensure that Long Island’s wildlife has the resources they need to thrive—even during a challenging fall drought. Let’s keep our ecosystem strong, together!