Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many Pennsylvania residents. Watching their aerial acrobatics as they dart from flower to flower or hover at feeders is a special treat. However, as autumn approaches, many hummingbird lovers wonder when they should stop providing supplemental nectar sources.
Guidelines for Stopping Hummingbird Feeders in Pennsylvania
The timeline for stopping hummingbird feeders depends on a few factors:
- What part of Pennsylvania you live in
- What hummingbird species you typically see
- Weather patterns in a given year
As a general rule, most experts recommend taking down feeders by early-to-mid October across the state. Here are some more specific guidelines broken down by region:
Southeastern Pennsylvania
In southeastern parts of the state like Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, the target timeframe is October 1st through October 15th. The most common visiting species here is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which begins migrating south to its wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and Florida starting in mid-September.
Southcentral and Southwestern Pennsylvania
In southcentral and southwestern parts of Pennsylvania, maintaining feeders through the first few weeks of October is also a good bet. This includes areas like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Erie. Some stray Rufous Hummingbirds may linger into early October as well.
Northern and Central Pennsylvania
Farther north in the state, hummingbirds typically depart a bit earlier. Areas like Scranton, State College, and Williamsport can discontinue feeders starting around mid-to-late September. Lingering Rufous Hummingbirds are more likely here too.
Factors that Influence Feeder Removal Timeframes
While those target dates are good general guidelines, a few factors can shift the ideal window in any given year:
Fall Cold Snaps
An early cold snap with frost or freezing temperatures often motivates lingering hummingbirds to take off and migrate south sooner. If nights dip into the 30s earlier than normal, it’s safe to take down feeders sooner.
Unseasonably Warm Weather
Conversely, an unseasonably warm fall with temperatures staying elevated can sometimes delay hummingbird migration by a week or two. In this case, keeping feeders up later into October may help accommodate stragglers.
Nectar Availability
The natural availability of nectar-producing flowers also impacts when hummingbirds depart. Abundant late-blooming flowers and food sources may encourage hummingbirds to stick around longer before migrating. Scarce food sources have the opposite effect.
Signs Hummingbirds Have Left
These signs indicate that most hummingbirds have already departed and any stragglers are soon to follow:
- You haven’t seen a hummingbird for 5-7 days
- Nighttime temperatures are dipping into the 30s and 40s
- Flowers have mostly finished blooming for the season
- You spot hummingbirds mostly just passing through but not sticking around
Dangers of Leaving Feeders Up Too Long
There are a few risks associated with leaving hummingbird feeders up too late into fall:
- Feeders may freeze overnight, leaving stale, fermented nectar
- Nectar viscosity and sugar content aren’t adjusted for cooler weather
- Hummingbirds may stick around instead of migrating when they should
- Feeders attract other species looking for food as less natural nectar is available
For these reasons, it’s best to take down feeders by mid-October at the latest unless unusually warm weather persists.
Preparing Feeders for Winter Storage
Here are some tips for cleaning and storing hummingbird feeders at the end of the season:
- Discard any old sugar water and thoroughly rinse/scrub feeders
- Disassemble feeders and remove any built-up debris or mineral deposits
- Let all parts air dry completely before storage to prevent mold
- Store clean, dry feeders in a shed or garage protected from dirt, dust, and critters
With proper storage over winter, feeders should be good to go again next spring!
When to Put Out Feeders Again
In Pennsylvania, hummingbird feeders can typically be restored in early April. Hang them up 2-3 weeks before the first ruby-throats usually arrive, which varies by location:
| Region | When to Rehang Feeders |
|---|---|
| Southeast PA | Mid-late April |
| Southcentral PA | Mid-April |
| Southwest PA | Early-mid April |
| Central PA | Early-mid April |
| Northeast PA | Late April |
| Northwest PA | Late April |
This ensures fresh nectar will be awaiting arriving hummingbirds to fuel up after their long migration back north!
Conclusion
Determining when to remove hummingbird feeders in Pennsylvania requires balancing the birds’ migratory needs and the potential dangers of leaving feeders up too long. While mid-October is a good target timeframe across most of the state, factors like weather and food availability may shift plans in any given year. Track hummingbird activity and local conditions to zero in on the right cutoff date for your area. With proper winter prep, your feeders will be ready to welcome hummingbirds back in spring!
