Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders across North America. Their speedy flights and hovering abilities make them a delight to watch. However, as fall approaches and hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, an important question arises: what month should I take down my hummingbird feeder?
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to key questions about taking down hummingbird feeders in the fall, including:
- When do hummingbirds migrate south for winter?
- What are signs that hummingbirds have left my area?
- What month should I take down my feeder?
- Can I leave my feeder up into winter?
- How do I prepare my feeder for winter storage?
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best time and method for taking down your hummingbird feeder for winter.
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate South for Winter?
Most hummingbirds that breed in the United States and Canada migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, and sometimes northern South America. Here are some key time frames for hummingbird migration:
- Early August – Rufous hummingbirds begin migrating south from Alaska and Canada
- Mid-August through September – Broad-tailed, calliope and black-chinned hummingbirds migrate from the western U.S. and Canada
- Mid-August through early October – Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate from the eastern U.S. and Canada
- September through November – Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds migrate from southwest Canada and the Pacific Northwest U.S. through California
So in most northern areas, the bulk of hummingbird migration takes place between mid-August and early October. The exact timing can vary depending on weather patterns each year and other factors. Some stragglers may linger into October or even November if food sources remain.
What Are Signs That Hummingbirds Have Left My Area?
How do you know when your local hummingbirds have finished migrating for the winter? Here are some signs:
- Very few sightings at feeders – If days go by without seeing any hummingbirds at your feeders, they likely have already departed.
- Lack of hummingbird sounds – During the breeding season, male hummingbirds produce distinctive courtship sounds. Once migration begins, these sounds taper off around feeders.
- Aggressive behavior decreases – Prior to migration, male hummingbirds aggressively defend feeders. This behavior will subside when migration starts.
- Flowers are untouched – Hummingbirds won’t be around to feed on late season blooms.
The absence of hummingbirds is a sure sign that migration from your area is complete. Tracking sightings on eBird and talking to neighbors can help confirm when local populations have left.
What Month Should I Take Down My Feeder?
Taking down your hummingbird feeder too early could deprive some late-migrating stragglers of a reliable food source. But leaving it up too long increases risks of feeders freezing, spoiling, and attracting other nuisance wildlife. Here are some guidelines on timing:
- Mid-September – Take down feeders in Alaska, Canada, and northern tier U.S. states once migration winds down. By mid-September, most ruby-throateds have left these areas.
- Late September to Early October – Take down feeders in central and northeast U.S. states by early October, when most hummingbirds have departed.
- Mid-October – Take down feeders in the southeastern U.S. Very few hummingbirds stick around beyond mid-October, except Anna’s and buff-bellied in south Texas.
- Late October to Mid November – In the southwest U.S., Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds may linger into November. Use your judgement based on sightings.
Check with local experts or resources such as birding groups and nature centers to fine tune your timing for your exact location.
Can I Leave My Feeder Up Into Winter?
It’s best practice to take down your hummingbird feeder by late fall and store it for winter, rather than leave it up year-round. Here’s why:
- Freezing temperatures can crack/damage the feeder.
- Sugar water will freeze in the feeder, preventing use.
- Mold and bacteria thrive in the sugar water over winter.
- Bees and wasps may infest the feeder.
- Feeders may attract nuisance species looking for food.
In the southeastern U.S, where winters are mild, some people leave feeders up year-round for wintering populations of buff-bellied hummingbirds. However this takes diligence to keep the feeder clean and prevent spoilage.
How Do I Prepare My Feeder for Winter Storage?
Proper maintenance and storage of your hummingbird feeder during winter will help it last many seasons. Follow these steps when taking down your feeder:
- Rinse – Rinse the feeder with hot water and remove any built-up debris and gunk.
- Disinfect – Soak the feeder in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 2-3 minutes to kill mold and bacteria.
- Air dry – Allow all feeder parts to completely air dry before storage to prevent mold growth.
- Store – Place disassembled and dried feeder pieces in a sealed plastic bag or bin. Store in a shed, garage or basement.
- Clean perches – Use a bottle brush and mild soap to scrub decorative feeder perches. Allow to dry fully.
With proper winter storage, your hummingbird feeder will be ready to hang again next spring when hummingbirds return and begin visiting to fuel up after their long migrations.
Conclusion
Determining when to take down your hummingbird feeder requires balancing the migratory habits of hummingbirds and weather changes in your area. While there is some flexibility depending on your location, these general guidelines will help ensure you are taking down your feeder at the right time to support hummingbirds without attracting pests:
- Mid-September: Alaska, Canada, northern states
- Late September – Early October: Central and northeast U.S.
- Mid-October: Southeastern U.S.
- Late October – Mid November: Southwest U.S.
With a properly cleaned and stored feeder, you’ll give migrating hummingbirds the fuel they need while avoiding problems associated with leaving feeders up through the winter. The joy of seeing hummingbirds return again next spring makes the effort worthwhile!
