I like to put out my hummingbird feeder a few days before I expect to see the first hummingbirds in my area. That way I don’t miss any of those early arriving birds.
When to Put Out a Hummingbird Feeder And When To Take Down Your Hummingbird Feeder : A Guide for Bird Lovers
If you’re a bird enthusiast, few sights are as delightful as a hummingbird flitting around your garden. These tiny creatures are not only beautiful, but they play an essential role in pollination. If you’ve been thinking about putting up a hummingbird feeder in your yard, timing is crucial to attract these little aviators. Here’s a helpful guide on when to put out your hummingbird feeder, so you can make the most of their visit and help them thrive.
1. Timing is Key: Early Spring and Late Summer
The best time to hang a hummingbird feeder depends largely on your location. In general, the best time to put out a feeder is:
- Early Spring: When hummingbirds return from migration, typically in early to mid-April (in the U.S.), is an ideal time to offer them food. Many hummingbird species begin migrating back north at this time, and providing them with a reliable source of nectar will attract them right to your yard.
- Late Summer to Fall: Hummingbirds need to build up their energy reserves before migrating again in late summer and early fall. Offering food during this time helps them prepare for their long journey south. It’s important to continue feeding them until they’ve left for their migration route.
2. Consider Your Region
Different areas have different migration patterns, so it’s essential to consider your specific location. For example, in southern states like Texas or Florida, you may be able to hang your hummingbird feeder as early as February. In northern areas like Canada or the northern U.S., you may want to wait until April or May when the birds are most likely to return.
Along the Gulf coast a few hummingbirds start showing up in late February, but there are not many sightings until the first part of March.
About the first part of April the hummingbird migration starts to reach into Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri.
By the middle of April the hummingbird migration is into Ohio, Indiana and Illinois and by the end of April hummingbirds can be found as far north as the great lakes and in the New England states.
By the first part of May the hummingbird migration is into northern Michigan and Canada.
Research the migration times for your area to ensure that you’re putting the feeder out at the most beneficial time.
3. Weather and Seasonal Patterns
Hummingbirds are sensitive to seasonal changes. If your region experiences sudden changes in weather, such as a late frost or an early cold snap, consider waiting until temperatures stabilize before putting out your feeder. The feeder will attract more hummingbirds when there is a consistent temperature that supports their migration patterns.
4. Don’t Remove the Feeder Too Early
Many people make the mistake of taking down their feeders too soon, thinking that the hummingbirds have all left for the season. However, leaving your feeder up into late fall or early winter can still benefit late-migrating or local hummingbirds. Hummingbirds, such as the Rufous or Black-chinned species, may linger later than expected, especially if there’s still a reliable source of food available.
5. Ensure You’re Providing the Right Nutrition
When you do put up your feeder, make sure you’re offering the right food. Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar, so fill your feeder with a simple homemade solution of 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid using artificial colors or additives, as they can be harmful to the birds. Additionally, clean your feeder thoroughly every few days to prevent mold growth and ensure the birds have access to fresh, healthy nectar.
6. Other Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Use Red, Orange, or Pink Feeders: Hummingbirds are attracted to vibrant colors, especially red. Opt for feeders that feature these colors, or add red accents to your existing feeders to make them more appealing.
Provide Natural Sources of Nectar: In addition to the feeder, plant native flowering plants such as bee balm, trumpet vine, or columbine. These flowers provide natural nectar and create a beautiful, hummingbird-friendly environment. Here is a very informative article on what plants to use to attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Place Your Feeder in a Safe Spot: Position your feeder in a shady spot, as this will help keep the nectar from spoiling quickly in the sun. Also, place it near plants that provide shelter for the birds, so they feel safe while feeding. Here’s more information on how to choose the best place to hang your feeder.
Conclusion
The best time to put out a hummingbird feeder is during early spring when these tiny travelers return from migration, and again in late summer as they prepare to head south. By timing your feeder placement properly and providing clean, healthy nectar, you’ll help support these incredible creatures and enjoy their stunning visits all season long. So get your feeder ready, and get ready to welcome the magic of hummingbirds into your yard!
The perfect hummingbird feeder recipe.
You will need a good feeder that is ant and bee proof when the feeding begins. Here is my favorite choice.
Hummzinger Ultra hummingbird feeder with ant moat and bee guard tips.
*This feeder has a built-in ant moat that holds water around the base of the hanger so ant can’t get at the nectar.
*It has patented “Nectar Guard Tips” to keep out bees and wasps. The Nectar Guard Tips are plastic flexible membranes that fit into the feeding ports from the underside of the lid. They allow the hummingbird to stick its beak through the port and when the beak is withdrawn the tips close the hole so bees and wasps can’t get in.
*The Hummzinger Ultra is red.
*It has red, raised rain guards in the shape of flowers around the feeding ports to keep out rain water.
*It’s a basin type feeder that doesn’t leak and it’s easy to take apart and clean.
When to Stop Putting Out a Hummingbird Feeder for the Year
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, known for their speed, agility, and vibrant plumage. If you enjoy watching these tiny birds visit your garden, you’ve probably found yourself wondering when it’s time to stop putting out the hummingbird feeder for the year. The answer depends on several factors, including your location, the migratory patterns of hummingbirds, and the climate in your area.
Here’s a guide to help you determine when to stop feeding hummingbirds and how to manage your feeders throughout the year. As for the hummingbirds in my own area of north western Ohio, they are usually all gone after about the first week in September. I might see an occasional straggler from the north, but the local birds have usually left by then.
If you go 2 weeks without seeing a Hummingbird in September or October, when Humming bird migration occurs across most of the United States, this might be when to stop feeding hummingbirds and take down your hummingbird feeder until next year.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (the most common species in North America), migrate to warmer regions during the fall and winter. They typically travel thousands of miles to reach their wintering grounds in Central America or Mexico. This migration is primarily driven by the need for food and suitable weather conditions.
The timing of their migration varies depending on geographic location, local climate, and available food sources. In general, hummingbirds begin their migration southward in late summer to early fall, but the exact timing may differ from year to year.
When to Stop Putting Out the Feeder
1. Late Summer to Early Fall (August to October)
Hummingbirds typically start migrating in late summer or early fall. In most parts of the United States, you can expect the last hummingbirds to leave around mid-October. If you live in an area with colder winters, it’s a good idea to stop putting out the feeder once you notice fewer visits.
- Eastern North America (e.g., Eastern US): The Ruby-throated Hummingbird will usually migrate southward between late August and early October. You can expect the last visitors to leave by mid-October.
- Western North America (e.g., Pacific Coast): Some species of hummingbirds, like Anna’s Hummingbird, may stay a little longer and even overwinter in certain areas. However, most migratory species begin heading south by early October.
2. Monitor Local Activity
To determine the best time to stop putting out the feeder, pay attention to the number of hummingbirds visiting your feeder. As the days get shorter and temperatures cool, the hummingbird activity will naturally decrease. If you haven’t seen a hummingbird in several days, it might be time to take down your feeder.
- Signs to Look For:
- Fewer visits or no visits for several days.
- A drop in temperatures or frost in your area, signaling that it’s time for the birds to migrate.
3. Leave the Feeder Up for Stragglers
In some cases, there may still be a few straggler hummingbirds lingering in the area after the main migration has passed. It’s generally a good practice to leave your feeder up until you are certain that all the local hummingbirds have migrated. This ensures that any latecomers have access to food as they continue their journey south.
- Tip: If you’re unsure, leave the feeder out for at least two weeks after the last sighting of a hummingbird.
Should You Stop Feeding Hummingbirds Completely?
There’s a common concern that removing the feeder too early may interfere with a hummingbird’s migration. However, research has shown that hummingbirds are driven by instinct, and they will not delay their migration based on a feeder. In fact, feeding them later into the season will not keep them from migrating.
That said, leaving the feeder out for the last few hummingbirds in your area during migration can still be a great act of kindness. Just remember to clean your feeder regularly to prevent mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to the birds.
After the Last Hummingbird Leaves: What Next?
Once the hummingbirds have migrated and you’re certain no more are around, it’s time to clean your feeder and prepare for the colder months. Clean it thoroughly before storing it away to prevent mold or bacterial growth that could affect the next season’s birds.
If you live in a region where some species of hummingbirds overwinter, you can continue to maintain the feeder throughout the winter. Species like Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Rufous Hummingbird are known to survive in milder climates during the winter months.
- Tip for Winter Feeding: If you continue feeding hummingbirds in winter, make sure to clean the feeder regularly and provide fresh nectar. Be aware that cold temperatures can freeze nectar, so placing your feeder in a sheltered area can help prevent this.
Conclusion
Stopping the feeding of hummingbirds at the right time is crucial for their health and well-being. The general rule of thumb is to stop putting out the feeder once the majority of hummingbirds have left your area for migration. Pay attention to local hummingbird activity and environmental changes to help you determine the best time.
By being mindful of the hummingbirds’ migration patterns, you can continue to support their incredible journeys while also ensuring your feeder is properly maintained for the next season of bird watching enjoyment!
