Hummingbird Migration: How Long to Keep Your Bird Feeders Out

• Posted on 7 September 2024
• By Bobbi Wright
• Posted in Backyard birding, bird feeder care, bird feeders hummingbird, bird migration, birdwatching tips, fall bird feeding, feeding hummingbirds, hummingbird feeding tips, hummingbird migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• 0

Discover how long to keep bird feeders out for hummingbirds during fall migration, ensuring they have energy for their journey. Learn tips on feeding and maintaining fresh nectar for these tiny travelers.

Hummingbird Migration: How Long to Keep Your Bird Feeders Out

As the vibrant colours of fall begin to paint the landscape, many bird enthusiasts are left wondering about the tiny, yet mighty hummingbirds. With migration season upon us, a common question arises: "How long should I keep my bird feeders out for hummingbirds?" In this blog, we'll explore the fascinating journey of hummingbird migration and provide tips on keeping your feeders up to support these incredible travellers.

Hummingbirds are known for their remarkable migratory patterns. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, these small birds begin their long journey south to warmer climates. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, common in North America, travels all the way to Central America, covering thousands of miles. This journey is not only impressive but also energy-intensive, requiring ample nourishment along the way.

Why Keep Your Bird Feeders Out? Many bird enthusiasts wonder if leaving their feeders out too long will delay the migration of hummingbirds. However, this is a myth. Hummingbirds rely on internal cues, such as daylight length and temperature changes, to determine when to migrate. Keeping your bird feeders out for hummingbirds during this time provides them with a vital energy source as they prepare for their journey.

When to Take Down Your Feeders It's generally recommended to keep your bird feeders out for hummingbirds until you haven't seen any visitors for at least two weeks. This ensures that any late migrators or stragglers still have access to food. In most areas, this means leaving feeders up until mid to late October.

Tips for Feeding Hummingbirds During Migration

• Keep it Fresh: Change the nectar every few days to prevent fermentation and mold, especially in warm weather.
• Clean Regularly: Clean your feeders at least once a week with hot water and a brush to prevent disease. We recommend having 2 feeders to make switching out easy, and cleaning not such a chore.
• Provide Shelter: Position feeders near trees or shrubs to offer resting spots and protection from predators.

By keeping your bird feeders out for hummingbirds during migration, you're playing a crucial role in supporting these incredible creatures on their long journey. Not only does this help ensure their survival, but it also offers you the joy of witnessing one of nature's most remarkable migrations. So, keep those feeders filled and enjoy the delightful presence of hummingbirds a little longer this season.