Hummingbirds are a beloved part of the Ontario landscape in the summer months. Their rapid wing beats and acrobatic flights bring joy to backyard birders across the province. However, as summer transitions to fall, questions arise about when is the right time to take down hummingbird feeders.
When do hummingbirds migrate from Ontario?
Most of Ontario’s summer hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, are migratory species. They spend the winters in southern locales like Mexico and Central America. The timing of hummingbird migration from Ontario depends on a few factors:
- Weather – Cool temperatures and lack of natural food sources trigger hummingbirds to migrate south.
- Age – Adult hummingbirds tend to migrate before juveniles.
- Species – Some hummingbird species leave earlier than others.
Here is a breakdown of when common Ontario hummingbirds migrate:
| Species | Migration Period |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Mid-August to late September |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid-August to early October |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Mid-September to late September |
As the table shows, most hummingbirds leave Ontario by early October, with timing dependent on species. This gives a good basis for knowing when to take down feeders.
Should I take down my hummingbird feeder before or after migration?
Many people wonder whether it’s best to take down a hummingbird feeder before or after the birds have left for their seasonal migration. Here are some things to consider:
- Leaving the feeder up during migration gives birds an energy source as they journey south.
- Taking down the feeder after migration is over ensures stragglers have a food supply.
- Leaving feeders up too long after most birds have left means food may ferment or attract pests.
Given these factors, most experts recommend leaving hummingbird feeders up through the full migration period, but taking them down immediately after the last hummer departs your yard. This ensures migrating birds have adequate fuel, without the downsides of leaving feeders up indefinitely.
How do I know when the last hummingbirds have left my yard?
Determining exactly when the final hummingbirds have left your yard takes a bit of attention. Here are some tips:
- Keep an eye on feeder activity – When you see fewer and fewer hummers visiting, migration is underway.
- Note the date when you last see a hummingbird – This gives you a target take-down date.
- Check nearby flowering plants – Hummers rely on these natural nectar sources too.
- Consider weather patterns – Colder temperatures often spur migration.
- Remove feeders gradually – Start with just one or two to see if any hummingbirds remain.
Tracking activity carefully for a few weeks should reveal when that last hummingbird leaves. It’s smart to keep written notes on dates and observations. If a late-migrating bird returns and finds no feeders, you can always put one back up temporarily.
What steps should I follow when taking down my feeder?
When the moment comes to remove your hummingbird feeder for the season, follow these steps:
- Wash the feeder thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution – This kills any bacteria or mold.
- Let the feeder dry fully before storing it – Trapped moisture can breed mold.
- Seal any feeding ports to keep out insects – Cover with corks or plastic wrap.
- Store the feeder in a dry location protected from UV light – This preserves the feeder.
- Make note of the take-down date – Review this when deploying feeders next year.
Properly cleaning and storing your hummingbird feeder helps ensure it lasts many seasons and does not make birds ill. Follow these steps each year for best results.
Where should I store my hummingbird feeder in winter?
The ideal overwintering spot for your hummingbird feeder depends on your storage space. Here are some top options:
- Garage or shed – Protects from precipitation and sun but may experience temperature swings.
- Basement – Often cool and dry but ensure no mold risk.
- Closet indoors – More stable temperatures but takes up living space.
- Covered outdoor location – Provides ventilation but requires waterproofing.
Wherever you store your feeder, the key is placing it somewhere free of excess moisture and sunlight. This will keep the feeder clean and functional for seasons to come. Make sure rodents and insects cannot access the feeder in storage too.
How do I prepare my hummingbird feeder for next season?
Getting your hummingbird feeder ready for the next summer takes just a bit of annual maintenance:
- Inspect for damage – Check for leaks, worn parts, etc.
- Replace essential components – Nectar reservoir, bee guards, etc.
- Deep clean with vinegar – Help remove mold and bacteria.
- Upgrade hanging hardware – Hummingbird traffic can weaken hooks, chains, etc. over time.
- Consider new nectar ports – These can get grimy and prevent nectar flow.
- Repair any paint cracks – Use weatherproof exterior paint.
Going over your feeder thoroughly before each season ensures it functions optimally and safely when the hummingbirds return. Investing in a new feeder every few years can also be worthwhile.
What kind of nectar should I use when I put my feeder back out?
Filling your feeder with fresh, quality nectar will instantly attract hummingbirds back to your yard each season. Follow these tips:
- Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar only.
- Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, etc.
- Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes to maximize shelf life.
- Let the nectar cool fully before filling the feeder.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather to prevent spoilage.
High concentrations of dissolved sugar best mimic natural nectars hummingbirds evolved to drink. Keeping the nectar fresh prevents harmful bacteria or fungus growth as well.
Should I re-use my old nectar when I put out my feeder again?
Re-using old nectar each season is generally not recommended. Here’s why:
- Sugar content declines over time, even when refrigerated.
- Bacteria and fungi can grow in stored nectar.
- Fermentation causes nectar to spoil.
- Chemical changes can make old nectar unpalatable.
- It’s cheap and easy to make fresh nectar.
To ensure your nectar is appetizing, nutritious, and safe for hummingbirds, simply make a brand new batch each season. Properly stored white sugar does not degrade over time.
Should I clean my hummingbird feeder before putting it out again?
Yes, always thoroughly clean your hummingbird feeder before setting it up for a new season. Here’s why:
- Eliminates old nectar residue that could mold.
- Removes any insect eggs or larvae.
- Kills bacteria that could sicken hummingbirds.
- Prevents potential skin irritants from building up.
- Creates a pleasant, attractive environment for hummingbirds.
Even feeders stored properly over winter likely accumulate dust, grime, and debris. A good scrubbing and soaking ensures your feeder provides healthy, sanitary nectar for hummingbirds returning from migration.
What is the best time to put out my hummingbird feeder again?
Most experts recommend setting your clean feeder back up in early to mid-April in Ontario. Here’s why this timing works well:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive back from migration in mid-late April.
- Early feeders take advantage of scarce early flower nectar.
- It allows the nectar to be discovered and shared among birds.
- Cool spring temperatures limit nectar spoilage.
- Migrating hummers have an energy source after long flights.
Postponing setup too far into spring means some early arrivals may move on. Putting feeders out in March risks fermentation and waste in colder weather. Mid-April balances attracting hummingbirds and proper feeder function.
Key Points
- Most Ontario hummingbirds migrate south by early October.
- Leave feeders up through migration, remove immediately after.
- Track activity to know when the last hummingbird leaves.
- Clean and store the feeder to prevent mold over winter.
- Refresh nectar and thoroughly clean feeders before spring setup.
- Mid-April is ideal for putting feeders back out in Ontario.
Conclusion
The ruby throats and rufous hummers visiting Ontario yards provide natural wonder each summer. With proper timing on taking feeders down in fall and setting them back up next spring, you can both protect hummingbirds and enjoy viewing them. Follow the migration patterns unique to your area, and be sure to thoroughly clean feeders between seasons. With a fresh nectar supply in mid-April, you’ll give hummingbirds an ideal start to another nesting season in Ontario.
