Caring for Nature

Each fall, the skies over Southwest Missouri shimmer with movement. From tiny warblers to the sparkling flash of ruby-throated hummingbirds, migrating birds turn the Ozarks into a seasonal flyway. For these travelers, food and water along the way are more than a comfort—they’re the difference between survival and exhaustion.

In the hills, hollows, and lake country of the Ozarks, backyards become vital pit stops. Hummingbirds, in particular, steal the show. Weighing less than a nickel, they must consume nearly half their body weight in nectar each day to fuel their journey south. A simple feeder filled with sugar water can keep them strong enough for the next leg, some flying all the way across the Gulf of Mexico in a single push.

But hummingbirds aren’t the only visitors. Grosbeaks, orioles, sparrows, and finches all sweep through, searching for safe feeding grounds. Every seed feeder, every blooming native plant, and every clean dish of water helps. When you stock a feeder or plant a berry-laden dogwood, you’re offering more than a meal—you’re offering a way forward.

The Ozarks are known for their wild beauty, but they’re also known for hospitality. Extending that same welcome to the birds overhead connects us to the rhythms of migration, reminding us that even our small actions ripple outward.

So as autumn mornings cool and September skies brighten with wings, keep your feeders fresh, your birdbaths full, and your gaze lifted. The travelers are passing through, and you have a chance to help them on their extraordinary journey.

Nectar Recipe

4 parts water

1 part white sugar

**No honey, dyes, or sweeteners. Change every 2–3 days.

Native Plants that Help

Coneflower (seeds for finches)

Dogwood (berries for thrushes & tanagers)

Trumpet vine (nectar for hummingbirds)

Serviceberry (summer fruit for many species)

Quick Tip

Moving water attracts more birds. A dripper or fountain in your birdbath can make your yard irresistible.