As autumn takes hold and temperatures start to drop, many hummingbird enthusiasts wonder if it’s time to take down their feeders. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that spend the winter in warmer climates, so eventually they will leave our gardens and backyards behind. However, the exact timing of their migration can vary. So how do you know when to remove your hummingbird feeders? We’ll examine the factors involved in this decision below.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate at different times depending on their species and location. In general, most hummingbirds in the United States and Canada migrate in the fall anywhere between late August and late October. Here are some guidelines:
| Species | Migration Period |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Mid August to late September |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid July to late August |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Early September to mid October |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Late September to late October |
As you can see, there is significant variation in when different hummingbirds leave for their wintering grounds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds head south early, while Anna’s hummingbirds stay late into fall.
Signs hummingbirds have migrated
Because the migration period spans over several months, it can be tricky to know precisely when your local hummingbirds have left. Here are some clues that they have likely migrated:
– You haven’t seen any hummingbirds coming to your feeder for several days to a week or more. During migration, it is normal for numbers to dwindle as birds leave at different times. But once they are fully gone, your feeder will be deserted.
– Nighttime temperatures consistently drop below freezing. Hummingbirds cannot survive cold winter nights, so they must migrate once freezing weather arrives. This is a good rule of thumb for when they have all left your area.
– The hummingbird feeder isn’t emptying between refills. Hummingbirds need a lot of energy and drink frequently from feeders. If your feeder remains mostly full between fill-ups, it’s a sign that no hummingbirds are left to drink from it.
– Plants have finished blooming. Hummingbirds rely on nectar from flowers as a food source. Once blooms have faded in fall, it’s a cue for hummingbirds to move on.
Should you remove feeders?
Once it seems clear that your local hummingbirds have departed for warmer areas, should you go ahead and remove your feeders for the season? Here are some things to consider:
Advantages of Removing Feeders
– Prevents issues with spoilage and mold. Leaving sugar water in feeders for extended periods increases the risk of spoilage or mold developing. This can be unhealthy for any birds that stop by. Taking down feeders removes this risk.
– Allows you to thoroughly clean feeders. It’s recommended to clean hummingbird feeders every 2-3 days during peak hummingbird season. With feeders down for the winter, you have the opportunity to give them a deep scrubbing.
– Discourages birds from sticking around. While rare, occasionally a lost, confused, or sick hummingbird lingers behind instead of migrating. An available feeder provides incentive for these stragglers to remain in unsuitable winter conditions.
– Lets you store feeders safely over winter. Once empty, feeders can be brought inside where they are protected from winter weather and damage. Storing them also frees up space on porches or yards.
Reasons to Leave Feeders Up
– Provides food for migrating birds. Some migrating hummingbirds arriving from further north may still pass through and appreciate the fuel source. Leaving feeders up late into fall helps these travelers refuel.
– Offers emergency food for hummingbirds that linger. If a disoriented hummingbird stays behind, a feeder could mean life or death in harsh temperatures. Feeders may help sustain them until migratory instincts kick in.
– Allows enjoyment of winter hummingbird sightings. While rare in most regions, a few places do host wintering hummingbird populations. Backyard feeders support these unusual visitors.
– Saves time of taking down and putting back up. Removing, cleaning, storing and re-hanging feeders takes time and effort. Leaving them up avoids this twice yearly chore.
Key Considerations
When deciding whether to remove feeders, keep these key points in mind:
– Your local climate. In especially warm regions, feeders may be left up year-round. In areas with regular winter freezing, removal is recommended. Know your conditions.
– Cleaning schedule. Only leave feeders up if you commit to changing sugar water every 2-3 days to avoid spoilage. Unsafe nectar harms birds.
– Type of feeder. Simple, single-use feeders are fine to leave. More elaborate feeders with reservoirs or moving parts are best brought inside.
– Feeder placement. Position any winter feeders in protected spots, out of direct wind and rain. Keep them accessible for easy cleaning.
– Migration dates. Consult your local resources to identify when most hummingbirds leave your area. Time removal for 2-3 weeks after the final migration period.
Guidelines for Removing Hummingbird Feeders
If you decide it’s best to remove your hummingbird feeder for the winter, follow these tips to do it properly:
Step 1: Stop Refilling Feeders
About one month before migration ends, taper off refilling. This slowly discourages lingering birds. Allow the feeder to empty fully 2-3 weeks after peak migration ends.
Step 2: Take Down and Clean Feeders
Once empty for 2-3 weeks, it’s time to remove feeders. Take them down and give them a thorough cleaning with hot water or non-toxic detergent. Rinse well and dry completely.
Step 3: Store in Cool, Dry Area
After cleaning, store feeders in an enclosed space that is out of sunlight and has low humidity. This prevents damage from condensation, temperature extremes or critters.
Step 4: Service Before Rehanging Next Season
Check stored feeders in early spring. Make any needed repairs. Freshen with new hummingbird nectar right before the target rehang date after dangers of frost have passed.
What kind of nectar can you leave out over winter?
Plain white granulated table sugar dissolved in water at a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio is the only recommended nectar for hummingbird feeders. Here are some steps to provide nectar safely over winter:
Use freshly-made nectar
Premix enough fresh nectar for 2-3 days only at a time. Dump out any old nectar, rinse the feeder and remix to prevent spoilage.
Avoid food coloring
Skip food coloring, which can promote yeast and fungus growth in nectar when left too long. Clear nectar is fine.
Store sugar and empty feeders inside
Keep dry sugar in an airtight container indoors and bring feeders inside overnight when temps drop below freezing.
Clean frequently
Every 2-3 days, change nectar, wash feeders and scrub away any sediment with a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Use cleaned cut fruit for variety
For added nutrition, occasionally push a tight wedge of thoroughly washed grape or orange half onto feeder ports. Remove fruit after 24 hours before spoilage. The fruit minerals appeal to hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Deciding when to remove hummingbird feeders requires balancing the needs of migrating birds with the practicalities of winter maintenance. Observe your local migration patterns, climate, and feeder condition to make the best choice. If keeping a feeder up over winter, commit to frequent cleaning and fresh nectar to stay sanitary. Follow proper storage procedures to keep feeders in good shape until hummingbird season returns next year. With some thoughtful planning, you can make your feeders available to support hungry migrating and wintering hummingbirds in your area.
