There’s something magical about fall in Central Ohio. The air smells like bonfires, the trees are showing off, and the skies? They’re full of travelers. While we’re pulling out sweaters and sipping cider, millions of birds, butterflies, and even bats are passing through our backyards on their way to warmer places.
If you’ve ever spotted a monarch resting on a late-blooming flower or a hummingbird zipping around like it’s late for a meeting, you’ve witnessed a tiny piece of one of the world’s greatest road trips: migration. Here’s what to keep an eye out for in your garden this autumn.
Monarch Butterflies
The celebrities of fall migration, monarchs make a jaw-dropping 3,000-mile trek to Mexico each year. They’re basically the long-distance runners of the insect world, and Ohio is one of their pit stops. Keep an eye on goldenrod, asters, or even your zinnias—they’ll be grabbing quick snacks before heading south.
Pro tip: If you’ve planted milkweed, you’re not just helping monarchs during migration—you’re supporting the next generation that will keep the cycle going.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
Our tiniest travelers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, are like little green-and-red jewels buzzing through the air. Each one weighs about as much as a penny, but somehow manages to fly all the way to Central America. Oh, and did we mention they do a 500-mile nonstop flight over the Gulf of Mexico? Absolute icons.
If you’ve got a sugar-water feeder (four parts water, one part white sugar, no red dye needed), you can help fuel their journey. Just make sure to swap it out often—especially during hot days when the nectar can spoil quickly.
Songbirds on the Move
Warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds may not be as flashy as monarchs or hummingbirds, but they’re some of the most dedicated travelers. Many of them migrate at night, flying hundreds of miles before dawn. Imagine grabbing a midnight snack and then casually flying to another state before sunrise—that’s their reality.
You’ll spot them flitting around trees and shrubs in your yard or at local parks. Fun fact (okay, maybe not so fun): tall city buildings with bright lights can confuse migrating birds, sometimes with tragic results. That’s why “lights out” programs in big cities matter so much.
Migrating Bats
Yes, bats migrate, too! Species like the Eastern Red Bat and Hoary Bat leave Ohio in the fall once their insect buffet starts to dwindle. If you’re outside at dusk, you might catch them swooping gracefully through the air. They may not get as much love as butterflies, but bats are serious MVPs when it comes to keeping mosquito populations under control.
How to Make Your Yard a Migration Pit Stop
Want to roll out the red carpet for these travelers? It’s easier than you think:
- Plant nectar sources: Coneflowers, sedum, and goldenrod are perfect for butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Skip the pesticides: Migrants rely on insects for fuel, and chemicals make the buffet toxic.
- Offer fresh water: A shallow birdbath (with a few stones for perching) goes a long way.
- Keep some “wild”: A patch of native plants or seedheads can mean food and shelter.
This fall, while you’re raking leaves or sipping coffee on the porch, take a moment to look up—or look closely at that flowerbed. Migration is happening all around us, and your own backyard might just be part of one of the greatest journeys on earth.
Featured image via Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
