There are a few key factors to consider when deciding when to take down hummingbird feeders in the fall. The timing will depend on where you live and when hummingbirds migrate through your area. Generally, most experts recommend taking down feeders in late fall after the hummingbirds have left for their southern wintering grounds. However, the exact timing can vary.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate south for the winter. Most species that breed in the United States and Canada migrate to Mexico, Central America, and sometimes northern South America for the winter months. The timing of migration depends on the species and location:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate through the eastern United States between August and November, with peak migration in September.
- Rufous hummingbirds migrate through the Pacific Northwest between July and September.
- Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds migrate shorter distances in the west or are year-round residents in some mild climates.
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds migrate between July and September in the Rocky Mountains.
The exact timing of hummingbird migration depends on food availability, weather conditions, and other factors. During migration, hummingbirds stop to rest and refuel, sometimes staying a few days to a few weeks at feeders along their migration route before continuing south.
Signs hummingbirds have migrated from your area
Here are some signs that hummingbirds have finished migrating through your particular area:
- You stop seeing hummingbirds at your feeders on a daily or regular basis.
- Nighttime temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
- There have been a few hard frosts.
- You stop seeing active flowers, nectar sources, and small insects that attract hummingbirds.
- The last sighting of a hummingbird in your neighborhood is reported 2-3 weeks ago.
The sightings at your feeder will steadily decline through late summer and fall as the birds migrate south. One day you simply won’t see any more hummingbirds visiting. Once the temperatures drop below freezing at night and flowers have been killed off by frost, it’s a sign that it’s very late in the season and no more migrating hummingbirds will be passing through.
When to take down feeders
Here are some general guidelines for when to remove hummingbird feeders in different regions:
Northeast and Midwest
In most of the northeastern and midwestern United States, hummingbird feeders should come down in late September or anytime in October. By late October most ruby-throated hummingbirds have migrated south. Only occasional stragglers might be seen. Take down feeders by November 1 at the latest.
Pacific Northwest and Western States
In the Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains, take down feeders anytime between mid-September and early October. Rufous hummingbirds are finishing migration by early October. Anna’s hummingbirds that remain for winter do not rely on feeders.
Southeastern States
In the southeastern United States, look for decreasing activity at feeders in September. Take down feeders by late October, as most ruby-throats have migrated through. Occasional rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds might stop at feeders into November.
Southwestern States
In the southwestern states of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, activity will decline between August and October as most breeding hummingbirds leave. However, some Anna’s, Costa’s, black-chinned, and other non-migratory species may use feeders periodically in warm winter locations. Feeders can remain up through winter in frost-free climates where hummers are present year-round.
Why take down hummingbird feeders
Here are some reasons why most experts recommend taking down hummingbird feeders in late fall:
- Prevent feeders from freezing – Left out in freezing temperatures, nectar will freeze and crack feeders, making a big mess.
- Reduce risk of fermenting – Nectar left out for extended periods is more likely to spoil and ferment.
- Avoid confusing migrating birds – Lingering feeders could confuse some migrating hummers and prevent them from reaching wintering grounds.
- Prevent insect infestations – Ants, bees, and other insects can invade feeders left out over winter.
- No hummers are around – With no hummingbirds left, there is no need to keep feeders filled and maintained.
- Give hummers a natural diet – In warmer climates, non-migratory Anna’s and other species can find natural nectar and insects over winter without feeders.
The exceptions would be areas with reliable winter hummingbird populations that are dependent on feeders, such as southeastern Arizona and Texas. Here feeders can be left up year-round if properly maintained.
Storing hummingbird feeders over winter
Here are some tips for cleaning and storing hummingbird feeders between seasons:
- Take down feeders once hummingbirds are no longer present and temperatures drop.
- Discard old nectar and rinse feeders thoroughly with hot water.
- Soak feeders in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 30 minutes to fully sanitize.
- Allow feeders to air dry completely before storing.
- Store feeders in a covered, pest-free area like a shed, garage or basement.
- Never store feeders outside where rain or snow can damage them.
- Avoid areas with extreme temperatures that could cause plastic feeders to crack.
With proper sanitizing and dry storage over winter, hummingbird feeders can be put back up the following spring. Time to put feeders back up varies by region and when hummingbirds return.
When to put up hummingbird feeders in spring
Here are some general guidelines for when to re-hang hummingbird feeders in the spring:
- Pacific Northwest – Mid-March to early April
- Western States – Mid-March to mid-April
- Southwest – February to March
- Midwest – Mid-April to early May
- Northeast – Early to mid-May
- Southeast – Early to mid-April
The best strategy is to watch for the earliest spring hummingbird sightings in your area, then put feeders out 1-2 weeks before. This gives hummingbirds ready food sources as they arrive back from migration.
Conclusion
To summarize, most experts recommend taking down hummingbird feeders in late fall once local hummingbird populations have migrated south for the winter. Exact timing depends on your region and species present, but feeders generally can come down anytime between mid-September through late October. Properly cleaning and storing feeders over winter will allow them to be rehung the following spring about 1-2 weeks before hummingbirds return. Providing nectar in feeders at optimal times of the year will best support hummingbirds without inadvertently harming them. Adjusting to their natural migration patterns is key to responsible hummingbird feeding.
