When do I take down my hummingbird feeders?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
One answer I often hear is:
“You should stop feeding hummingbirds in the fall so that they can begin their southern migration.”
This is actually a myth. The urge to migrate is activated by several factors, but the most significant one is the number of hours of sunlight. No matter how much food is around, when the days get shorter, the hummingbirds will move on.
I recommend leaving your feeders out for a few weeks after your see your last hummingbird. Occasionally an individual hummingbird doesn’t migrate on schedule, due to illness or injury. These late migrants will appreciate having a reliable source of food when only a few natural flowers remain in bloom. The added food source will provide the extra energy needed to complete their migration.
When will you see your last hummingbird? Well that depends on where you live. Here in New Hampshire it is around the end of September, but in southern areas of the United States it may not be until mid to late November. If you plan on feeding hummingbirds year after year, you may find it helpful to mark your calendar when you take your hummingbird feeders down. This will serve as a reminder for years to come.
For more information about hummingbirds check these links:
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird Migration Map
Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
Facts About Hummingbirds
Best Hummingbird Feeders
When migration occurs is determined by a change in the length of the day or photoperiod.
If you would like much more information about hummingbirds, please click the links below. The sites contain many articles about hummingbirds, video clips about hummingbirds, an informative tips booklet on hummingbirds, and much more.
Click Here To Visit About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds For Mom
Comment by Zoe Ann Hinds — October 4, 2008 @ 4:53 am
Thank you for your incredibly enjoyable facts and energy re: The Hungry Hummers! I live 130 miles above the CA./OR. border. Today is Dec. 13, 2008.
I have a small window feeder so that I may enjoy my visitors while doing kitchen duties. I filled the feeder again, on the 10th. To date I assume they still “visit”. Tonight an ugly storm out of Alaska slammed us w/ freezing temp. and so far two in. snow. We expect lows in the 20’s for a week. So…Do I take down nectar or leave it out year round? Will it freeze?
Will their tongue get stuck like a kid sticking his tongue on a frozen pole? And..Will you please tell me how it is that our little friends don’t freeze to death when they are sleeping at night? I worry ’bout them. Thank you, Cat
Comment by Cat Tremain — December 13, 2008 @ 12:56 pm