As fall approaches, many hummingbird lovers wonder if they should continue putting out feeders to attract these tiny, energetic birds. There are a few key considerations when deciding whether to take down your hummingbird feeders in September.
Do hummingbirds migrate through my area in September?
The timing of hummingbird migration varies by species and location. In northern areas of the U.S. and Canada, most hummingbirds start migrating south in August or September to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America. However, some hummingbird species are year-round residents in southern states like California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most widespread hummingbird species in eastern North America. They breed during the summer across Canada and the eastern U.S. Most leave their breeding range by late September or October. Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north and migrate through the western U.S. in late summer and fall on their way to Mexico for the winter.
So if you live along the typical migration routes in the western or eastern U.S., keeping feeders up through September will provide important fueling stops for migrating hummingbirds. But in southern states, hummers may stick around throughout the winter if there are enough flowering plants and feeders available.
Do I live along a hummingbird migration route?
To determine if hummingbirds migrate through your area in fall, check range maps for your region. Some resources include:
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds site
- The Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- Local birding groups, nature centers, or parks departments
Migration monitoring sites like Hummingbird Central and eBird can also show user-reported hummingbird sightings in your region throughout the year.
Will hummingbirds starve without my feeders?
Hummingbirds have survived migrations for thousands of years without the help of feeders. However, human-provided nectar can make a big difference in birds’ survival, especially during migration when they need to build up fat reserves.
Studies suggest up to 25% of a hummingbird’s daily energy during migration may come from feeders. Feeders provide a reliable energy source and allow the birds to spend more time resting and less time foraging.
So taking down feeders in September will not necessarily starve them, but keeping feeders up will help provide much-needed nutrition during migration stopovers.
How much do feeders help migrating hummingbirds?
Research on Ruby-throated hummingbirds found:
- Hummingbirds with access to feeders built fat reserves up to twice as fast as birds without feeders.
- Feeders provided up to one-fourth of their daily energetic needs.
- Well-fed birds left migration stopovers in better condition for the next leg of their journey.
Similar studies of Rufous hummingbirds also found feeders improved their energy levels and ability to survive migration.
Won’t hummingbirds get confused by September feeders?
It’s a myth that keeping feeders up late into fall will confuse hummingbirds and prevent them from migrating when they should. Here’s why:
- Hummingbirds don’t rely on feeders for migration cues. Photoperiod (changes in day length) triggers their migration timing.
- Some hummingbirds species routinely stop in the same yards every year during migration. The birds remember and return to food sources.
- Research shows supplemental feeding does not delay northward migration in the spring or southward migration in the fall.
So leaving feeders up through September will not disrupt hummingbirds’ internal cues and navigation abilities for migration. It will simply help provide more rest stops along their journey.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate?
Hummingbirds’ migratory timing and navigation are influenced by:
- Photoperiod – The birds respond to seasonal changes in day length.
- Internal circadian rhythms – These biological cycles regulate migration timing.
- Fat stores – Hummingbirds start migration when they’ve built up enough fat reserves for the journey.
- Instinct – Young birds migrate south on their first journey without guidance.
- Memory – Adults remember and retrace migration routes and stopover sites.
What are the best flowers for fall hummingbirds?
To attract hummingbirds through the fall, provide tubular red, orange, or pink flowers with ample nectar. Native plants adapted to your climate are best. Good options include:
Plant | Description |
---|---|
Cardinal flower | Red tubular flowers loved by hummingbirds |
Trumpet creeper | Red-orange trumpet-shaped flowers on a hardy vine |
Coral honeysuckle | Tubular red and orange flowers rich in nectar |
Salvia species | Spikes of tubular red, orange, pink, or purple flowers depending on variety |
Also provide insect-rich trees and shrubs that attract flies and gnats hummingbirds eat while migrating through your yard.
What flowers do hummingbirds prefer in fall?
The best fall-blooming hummingbird flowers:
- Produce abundant nectar to fuel migration
- Have tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers preferred by hummingbirds
- Come in bright red, orange, or pink attractive to hummers
- Are native species adapted to local soils and climate
Native honeysuckles, salvia, fuchsia, penstemon, lobelia and columbine are excellent examples. Avoid pesticide use on or near these plants.
Is it safe to leave hummingbird feeders up into winter?
In most areas, hummingbird feeders should be taken down by late October or November before freezing conditions arrive. However, for southern regions with mild winters, keeping feeders up through winter is fine if properly maintained.
Potential risks of leaving hummingbird feeders up all winter include:
- Nectar freezing, causing leaking or bursting
- Buildup of bacteria, fungi, or yeast in sugar water
- Bees and wasps competing for feeders
These risks can be minimized by:
- Using antifreeze nectar formula
- Thoroughly cleaning feeders every few days
- Using bee guards and wasp traps
Also gradually reduce feeding in winter as natural food sources decline. Move feeders to protected areas out of wind and cold.
How can I provide winter hummingbird feeders safely?
Tips for safe winter hummingbird feeding:
- Use antifreeze nectar product
- Clean feeders every 2-3 days with hot water
- Rinse feeders with diluted vinegar weekly
- Keep nectar fresh and change often
- Use feeder style that seals out pests
- Place feeders in protected area away from wind
Monitor feeders daily in winter and discontinue use if you cannot properly maintain them.
Conclusion
For most areas, keeping hummingbird feeders up through September provides an important source of energy for migrating hummingbirds. As long as cleaned and maintained properly, September feeders will not prevent migration or confuse the birds.
In northern areas, take down feeders by late October before freezing starts. But in subtropical climates, leave feeders up through winter with antifreeze nectar to support wintering hummingbird populations.
Supplement feeders with an abundance of fall-blooming native flowers. With some planning, you can support hummingbirds’ needs both during migration and into winter months.