Autumn is an important season for birds. Many species are buckling down in preparation for long, cold, hungry winters; others travel hundreds or thousands of miles south to warmer winter havens.

In order to store up the energy they need, both migrating and non-migrating birds need lots of nutritious food sources to sustain them and an easy way to attract them while adding interest and liveliness to your autumn garden is to plant trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that provide lots of seeds, berries, and nuts to help them on their way.

Fortunately, there are many trees and shrubs that provide not only fall cover, but also fruit. Many are also ornamental for humans. A selection of native fall-fruiting shrubs, trees, and vines includes:

• Dogwood (Cornus)
• Crabapple (Malus - not all types are eaten by birds)
• Elderberry (Sambucus)
• Viburnum (Viburnum)
• Bayberry (Myrica)
• Sumac (Rhus)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus)
• Mountain ash (Sorbus americana)
• Oak (Quercus)
• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
• Spruce (Picea)
• Wild Grape (Vitis)
• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Seed-eating birds also enjoy a varied buffet from fall-seeding flowers. Be sure not to deadhead desirable flowers before they set seed, as some seeds can persist into winter. A few of the best choices include:

• Sunflower (Helianthus)
• Aster (Aster)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Ornamental grasses are another good source of seeds through fall and winter, as well as providing excellent cover when planted en masse. Native prairie grasses are especially good food and shelter sources in many parts of the United States. These include Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Swtichgrass, Indiangrass, and Prairie Dropseed. For more on attracting birds with native prairie grasses and wildflowers, please see my hub Attracting Birds With Prairie Plants.

The sound of running water attracts many migrating birds, and even birds that stay put will appreciate a small waterfall, garden pond (with shallower bathing area), or birdbath. By late fall, it may be necessary to use a heated birdbath in order to keep the water unfrozen in some regions.

You can help non-migrating birds prepare for the long winter ahead by preparing your yard to provide shelter from harsh winter winds and cold.

Starting a brush pile from fallen and cut branches can provide birds with shelter and protection against hungry predators.

Another surefire way to help birds find shelter in cold winters is to plant lots of evergreen trees and shrubs. When planning evergreen plantings, be sure to consider your own needs as well. Evergreens planted on the northern side of your house can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your winter heating bills. Many evergreens also provide winter food sources for birds. Tall grasses may also be used as shelter by birds. In the Midwest and Great Plains, native prairie grasses will provide both cover and seeds well into the winter season if they are not mowed in autumn.

Fall is also a good time to clean out birdhouses and feeders in preparation for winter feeding and spring nesting seasons.

For more information on winter birdscaping, please visit my hub The Winter Bird Garden.