Probably the most frequently asked question we hear this time of year is, “When should I take down my hummingbird feeder?” And we respond, “Don’t take them down yet!”
Even though the hummingbirds you’ve been feeding all spring and summer have almost surely begun their long migration to their wintering grounds in Central America, that doesn’t mean you won’t still be seeing hummingbirds in September and even October. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (the only hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi), breed as far north as southern Canada, so your feeders may be just what they are looking for as they journey south.
Hummingbirds migrate during the day, and it is believed that most of their trip is spent at tree height as they continuously look for food to refuel. These tiny jewels can actually eat three times their weight in nectar and insects each day as they migrate. So, keep your feeders up, cleaned and filled – the hummingbirds will appreciate it and you will really help them!
The adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird in the photo came to dine at my WBU Small High Perch Hummingbird Feeder. The feeder holds eight ounces of nectar and has three nectar ports. Notice the high perch that the bird is standing on. This perch allows hummingbirds to rest as they refuel and provides us with better, longer views of the birds. Another great feature of this feeder is its clear bottom that allows us to see hummingbirds’ tongues as they lap up nectar.