Hummingbirds are a beloved part of the backyard wildlife that many Georgians enjoy. Watching their aerobatic maneuvers and admiring their iridescent feathers brings joy to many. Providing nectar feeders allows us to get up close to these tiny birds. However, there comes a time each year when hummingbird feeders in Georgia should be taken down. Knowing when to remove feeders can help ensure hummingbirds are not relying on them when they need to migrate.
When do hummingbirds migrate from Georgia?
Most hummingbirds in Georgia migrate south in the fall to their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Ruby-throated hummingbirds begin migrating south as early as late August from the northern parts of Georgia. Migration peaks in September and early October in north and central Georgia. Hummingbirds in south Georgia may not migrate until late October or even November.
Not all hummingbirds migrate, however. Some ruby-throated hummingbirds and rufous hummingbirds may overwinter in Georgia. Mild winter temperatures allow some hummingbirds to survive if they have access to food. Leaving feeders up through winter may attract overwintering hummingbird residents.
Dangers of leaving feeders up too late
It can be tempting to leave hummingbird feeders up as long as possible to enjoy their presence. However, keeping feeders up too late in the fall migration period can pose some risks for hummingbirds.
Relying on feeders may cause hummingbirds to delay their migration. If cold temperatures or storms arrive, hummingbirds still present may not survive. Their instincts tell them when it is time to migrate, and they can become confused if food is still readily available from feeders.
Contaminated feeders may also make birds sick. Mold and bacteria thrive in feeders left up through cold weather. Freezing temperatures at night can also cause nectar to spoil. Sick birds may not have the energy needed to complete their long migration.
When to take down feeders
Most experts recommend taking down hummingbird feeders in Georgia by mid-October. Here are some guidelines for different regions:
North Georgia
Take down feeders by October 1st or earlier. Hummingbirds in far northern Georgia begin migrating in August.
Central Georgia
Take down feeders by October 15th. This area includes cities like Atlanta and Macon.
South Georgia
Take down feeders by November 1st. Hummingbirds may remain in south Georgia into late fall.
Tracking migration dates using a resource like Hummingbird Central can help pinpoint departure dates. Taking feeders down approximately two weeks before hummingbirds typically leave your specific area is ideal.
Steps for taking down feeders
Follow these steps when taking down your hummingbird feeders for the season:
- Stop refilling feeders about one week before the target take down date. This will empty them gradually so hummingbirds start seeking alternate food sources.
- Check feeders daily as the target date approaches. Remove feeders if they are empty or no longer being visited.
- On the target date, remove all remaining feeders. Clean and sterilize them before storing.
- Leave any late-blooming flowers or food sources up for another week or two. Migrants may still stop by.
- Consider leaving up a feeder into early winter if attempting to attract wintering hummingbirds.
Gradually transitioning hummingbirds away from feeders can prevent relying on an artificial food source during migration. Timely removal keeps birds safe and healthy.
Other fall care for hummingbirds
Taking down feeders is one aspect of preparing for hummingbird migration. Here are some other actions that can help hummingbirds as they head south:
- Plant fall-blooming flowers they can feed on, like zinnias, bee balm, and pineapple sage.
- Provide insects such as tiny flies or gnats when possible. Insects offer protein needed for migration.
- Ensure fresh water sources are available through fall.
- Avoid pesticide use which reduces insect populations.
- Keep cats indoors so they do not prey on visiting hummingbirds.
With some planning, you can provide a safe stopover spot for migrating hummingbirds visiting your yard on their way south.
Can feeders be left up later for wintering birds?
In some cases, hummingbird feeders can be left up into late fall or winter to provide food for birds attempting to overwinter. However, this takes careful planning and monitoring.
Only leave feeders up if the following criteria are met:
- Nights remain above freezing. Feeders may freeze at night, causing nectar to spoil.
- You commit to changing nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage. Do not let it freeze.
- You monitor for sick or dead birds. Discontinue feeding if issues occur.
- Natural food sources are scarce. Feeders should supplement diet, not replace it.
Also be aware that attracted hummingbirds may not survive the full winter. Some suggestions include:
- Have feeders only in protected locations, not widely scattered.
- Begin feeding early in winter before birds are too weak.
- Consider bringing a caged bird indoors if you rescue one too weak to survive.
Leave winter feeders up through early March. This provides food through the harshest weeks but encourages migration once warmer weather arrives.
Key tips for removing feeders
To summarize, here are some key tips for when to remove hummingbird feeders in Georgia:
- Take down feeders around mid-October, earlier in north Georgia and later in south Georgia.
- Time removal approximately two weeks before hummingbirds typically migrate from your location.
- Gradually transition birds away from feeders by stopping refills about one week before removal.
- Provide flowering plants and an insect source as alternate food before migration.
- Only leave feeders up through winter if freezing weather, food spoilage, and bird health can be properly managed.
With some planning and awareness of migration patterns, you can protect hummingbirds visiting your yard. Taking down feeders at the right time prevents reliance on artificial feeders during migration and reduces risks to hummingbird health. Observing natural food sources and migration timing each year will help perfect your strategy. Enjoy these special birds and lend a helping hand to their incredible migration journeys each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hummingbirds migrate through Georgia?
Most ruby-throated hummingbirds that nest in Georgia do migrate south in the fall. They winter in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Some hummingbirds may overwinter in the state if food is available. Georgia sees southbound migrants from August through November.
What happens if I leave my feeder up too late?
Leaving feeders up too late risks hummingbirds still being present when cold weather arrives. Lingering birds can become trapped by storms or sudden freezes. Keeping feeders up late may also cause birds to delay migration from their instincts. Spoiled nectar from feeders can make birds sick.
How do I know when hummingbirds have left my area?
Watch for decreasing activity and absences of days at a time to determine when local hummingbirds have migrated. Checking a migration map can provide estimated departure dates. When your feeder remains empty for a week or longer, migrants have likely moved through. Observing plumage and behavior can confirm winter residents versus migrants.
Can I bring in a late hummingbird and keep it over winter?
It is illegal to bring wild migratory birds like hummingbirds into your home. If you rescue a bird too weak or sick to migrate, contact your state wildlife agency or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for proper care until the bird can be released. Provide sugar water until transferring it to a rehab expert.
What do I do with my hummingbird feeders over winter?
Clean feeders with a bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry completely before storing for the winter. Storing them inside protects them from damage. Do not leave remnant nectar inside – it can harbor mold. Prepare feeders for use again in early spring before hummingbirds return.
Conclusion
Determining when to remove hummingbird feeders requires balancing the benefits of enjoying hummingbirds and the risks of disrupting migration. While no strict rule fits every location, targeting mid-October for most of Georgia encourages birds to move along their migratory path before cold weather arrives. With some attention to migration timing in your specific area, you can provide healthy stopover nutrition without delaying their travel south. Monitoring activity at feeders and providing natural food sources can create an ideal environment as hummingbirds exit your Georgia yard for the season. The ruby-throats and rufous visitors appreciate the helping hand during their long migratory journey.
