October in South Louisiana means that the weather sometimes cools off and this year we were lucky to see some really pleasant weather. Some of the winter migrants are beginning to arrive and most of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left for their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. There are still a few stragglers, mostly immature birds that probably hatched late somewhere up north. Most of the leaves have yet to begin to turn their fall colors. Here in south Louisiana, unless we have an early cold spell, most of the deciduous trees retain their green leaves through the end of October. It looks like we’ll have a large crop of acorns this year, so the wildlife should have enough natural food to eat this winter. The Yaupon, Deciduous and American Hollies are full of berries and the birds and animals are finishing off the last of the American Beauty Berry fruit. For more information about other trees, shrubs, vines and perennials that provide wildlife food check out Planting for Birds and Wildlife. We provide lists and descriptions of easy to grow native plants that are eaten by a variety of wildlife.