Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many people. Watching their fast wings and aerobatic moves as they hover at feeders and flowers brings joy. However, as autumn approaches, questions arise about when to stop feeding hummingbirds. There are a few factors to consider when determining the optimal time to end supplemental feeding in the fall.
Why Provide Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and small insects. However, in many backyards, there are not enough native flowers to provide a consistent food source. This is especially true during migration when more hummingbirds may pass through an area. Providing nectar feeders gives the birds reliable access to energy-rich food. The sugar water helps fuel their high metabolisms and powers their long migrations.
When Hummingbirds Migrate
Most hummingbirds in the United States and Canada migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in Mexico or Central America. Their migration is triggered by environmental cues like changes in daylight length, temperatures, and food availability. Different species migrate at different times depending on their optimal breeding grounds and food sources.
Here is a table summarizing the typical fall migration period for common North American hummingbird species:
| Species | Fall Migration Period |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | August – November |
| Rufous Hummingbird | July – September |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | July – November |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | August – December |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | July – September |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | July – September |
| Calliope Hummingbird | August – November |
As this table shows, most hummingbirds migrate south by November, though some species like Anna’s Hummingbirds may linger into December. Migration timing can vary slightly year to year depending on weather conditions.
Dangers of Leaving Feeders Out Too Long
While having a food source available for migrating hummingbirds is helpful, leaving feeders out too late into fall and winter can cause problems.
Here are some of the potential issues:
Messy Spoilage
Nectar can quickly spoil and become rancid at warm temperatures. Rotting nectar attracts bees, wasps, and ants. This creates a mess that homeowners then have to clean up.
Dependence
Hummingbirds that linger too long at feeders may become dependent on the artificial food source. This delays fat storage and migration readiness.
Increased Predation
Feeders may attract predators to an area that pose a threat to hummingbirds. Domestic cats are a particular risk.
Freezing Temperatures
Nectar can freeze in feeders when the temperature drops below freezing. Frozen nectar is unusable as a food source. Leaving feeders out forces hummingbirds to expend energy trying to thaw the food.
Limited Food Value
Artificial nectar lacks the essential proteins and nutrients hummingbirds need to survive. It cannot sustain them for extended periods of time.
Spread of Disease
Feeders can spread fungal, bacterial, and protozoan diseases between individual birds when they are clustered in one area. This raises risks of infection.
For all these reasons, experts recommend removing feeders by mid-to-late fall at the latest to encourage migration and prevent potential health hazards.
How to Determine When to End Supplemental Feeding
These tips can help pinpoint the optimal time to remove feeders in your area:
Track Hummingbird Departures
Keep notes on when most hummingbirds disappear from your yard each season. This gives you a baseline for when migration typically ends in your location.
Follow Local Weather Patterns
Pay attention to freezing temperatures in your area. Once nightly lows drop consistently below freezing, hummingbirds will struggle to survive without warmer southern climates.
Notice Changes in Behavior
Observe hummingbird behavior at feeders. Increased aggression, frequent chasing, and guarding of feeders indicates migration instincts are kicking in as food competition increases.
Remove Feeders Gradually
Rather than taking all feeders down immediately, try removing them in stages. This gives late migrating stragglers a chance to adjust.
Provide Natural Food Sources
Consider adding late-blooming native flowers and flowering shrubs to attract insects and provide nectar after feeders are removed. These help support migrators.
Recommended Timelines by Region
Here are some general guidelines for when to stop hummingbird feeding by geographic region:
Northeast
Mid-October is a good target for taking down feeders in most of the Northeast. Most ruby-throated hummingbirds will have migrated south by this point.
Midwest
Aim for late September to mid-October in the Midwest. Check for rufous and calliope hummingbirds that pass through this region.
South
Hummingbird populations tend to be more resident year-round in the South. However, populations still decline in late October to November.
Pacific Northwest
Follow the migration of rufous hummingbirds and target mid-August to early September as they head south through this corridor.
California and Southwest
Anna’s, black-chinned, broad-tailed, rufous, and other species frequent these regions. Mid-October is a benchmark, but monitor frosts and freezing.
These timeframes provide a starting point, but monitoring local conditions each year is still important. Adjust dates accordingly based on observations.
What to Do With Your Feeders After Use
Once you remove your feeders for the season, proper maintenance is key. Here are some steps to follow:
Clean Thoroughly
Disassemble feeders and clean all parts with a 10% non-chlorine bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before storing. This prevents mold growth.
Remove Old Nectar
Dump out any remaining nectar and scrub the reservoirs. Do not allow old nectar to sit and rot in the feeders during the off-season.
Repair or Replace
Inspect feeders and discard any that are cracked or damaged. Replace old wicks, gaskets, and flowers. Make any needed fixes.
Coat Metal Parts
Paint metal feeding ports with vegetable oil or sealant. This prevents corrosion during storage.
Store in Cool, Dry Location
Choose an indoor location like a closet, garage, or shed that is cool, dark, and dry. This prevents damage from freezing, moisture, or direct sunlight.
Proper maintenance and off-season storage sets your feeders up for success come next spring. Consistent cleaning also helps minimize disease transmission between seasons.
Conclusion
Determining when to remove hummingbird feeders in fall can be tricky. While specific dates vary by region and species, mid-October is a reasonable target for most areas. Discontinue feeding as hummingbird activity declines, temperatures drop below freezing, and migration ends. Taking feeders down gradually allows stragglers to adjust. Cleaning and storing feeders properly prepares them for next season’s use. With some annual adjustments and observations of local conditions, you can decide when winter preparations signal it’s time for hummingbirds to embark on their long migrations south.
