How Long Should I Feed the Hummingbirds?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still visiting the feeders.  These are most likely migrating hummingbirds, just a few of the millions heading south on their way to their winter home in Mexico and Central America.

Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were the first to depart - I haven't seen an adult male since the 3rd week in August.  What you'll see now are females and immature hummingbirds.

Keep your feeders filled and clean. Hanging feeders at this time of year will NOT cause hummingbirds to stay in the area longer than they should.  On the contrary, your feeders will provide a quick energy source for these migrating birds.

Hummingbird at WBU Purple Decorative Hummingbird Feeder    

 

I will continue to hang my hummingbird feeders for about 2 weeks after I've seen my last hummingbird. This is to help out any "stragglers".  I only fill the feeders about halfway and I clean and refill them every 4-5 days whether the nectar level is down or not.

Last year, I saw my last hummingbird on September 19th.  So we may still have a week or more to see these delightful birds at our feeders.

 

ADDENDUM October 6, 2008:
A reader from Macon GA referred us to the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division website advising Georgians to leave at least one hummingbird feeder up all fall and winter.

From the site:  "Most of the hummingbirds seen in Georgia during the winter months are western visitors" and leaving feeders out in Georgia will help the state "document western hummingbirds that find their way to Georgia".  Read more on "Georgia's Wintering Hummingbirds".
Thanks to Peter of Macon GA

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Comments

[Adriana]

Will do.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Adriana, that's great! Will you keep us posted?

[Adriana]

I am new this year to birdfeeding-watching and have 2 hummingbird feeders. I just put them back out after reading that you can get winter feeders in Georgia. One feeder is already empty (after 3 days) and the other is lower in volume than when I put it out. I have not seen any hummingbirds but have been pretty busy over the holidays. I will keep looking!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Diane in NJ: Can I ask where in NJ you are? It seems late for a hummingbird in NJ even from my perspective in upstate NY. And it could possibly be a rarer Rufous Hummingbird, which experienced local birders could help identify. Let me know if you'd be willing to do that and I'll contact folks in NJ.
Regardless, please keep your feeder up, clean and filled.
Thanks for reporting your late hummingbird, Diane!

[Diane in NJ]

It's 3 days before Thanksgiving in New Jersey and I just noticed a familiar Ruby Throated Hummingbird at my feeder! Unfortunately, I cannot tell if it's male or female. I recognize the "personality" and mannerisms. I know without a doubt that this h-bird has been here for awhile. I'm afraid for its health and safety. It's been unseasonably warm for November and I feel that its biological clock is off. I thought these wonderful birds knew it was time to go when the days get shorter...at least by daylight savings. I dont want to completely cut off its feeding supply.Should I be worried? Maybe its sensing a mild winter? Help!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

A hummingbird in central Ohio in November seems late to me, but I'm not sure. Can you check with your local WBU (there are a number around the Columbus area) to see if this is way late and if maybe it is a Rufous Hummingbird?
Worth checking out!!!!
Thanks for sharing.

[Rebecca Jarrells]

A migrating female Hummingbird just visited my feeder in central Ohio...it's November 6 2011!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Ruby - it is very hard to tell one hummingbird from another. As long as one is visiting, keep your feeder(s) clean and filled. If feeding slows, just fill it a little less. If they totally depart, still keep the feeder up and clean for at least a couple weeks more to help any trailing hummingbirds. Our county just had a hummingbird show up at a feeder almost a full month after the last hummingbird!
Thanks for your visit!

[Ruby]

It is October 24th. I am in Rancho Cucamonga CA, I am feeding the HB and have seen a decreace in their numbers. A couple of weeks ago I was refilling my 2 large feeds everyday. They seem to like 2 cups of surgar the rest water. I am seeing around 6 a day now as apossed to 20 or so before. I can't tell if they are the same ones or not. I guess I will just keep one filled all winter...

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Peter - lucky you down in Georgia. Thank you for the great link and good luck attracting some of those western species over the next few months. Thanks for your comment.
Gretchen - wow! Early Oct in Michigan and you still have hummers! Is this normal? Thanks for your visit and sharing what's going on at your feeders.

[Gretchen Wedge]

We had been gone for a week and a half at the end of September and when we arrived home I still had a couple of hummingbirds feeding. This is the 6th of October. Took 2 feeders down and refreshed one to leave up. Hope they get on their way as temperatures are turning cold here in Michigan.

[Peter]

I had a hummingbird as recently as Oct. 4 this year in Athens, GA. I'll keep the feeder up in case any more drift by. I may even keep it up all winter in hopes of attracting a western visitor as described here:

http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/documentdetail.aspx?docid=223&pageid=1&category=education

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

James - lucky you! Where are you located, seeing hummers in late September?

[James]

Today is sept. 27, 2008. I still have two or three hummingbirds. I will continue to change my food as long as they stay around!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Dennis - welcome to The Zen Birdfeeder and thanks for the report from Georgia. Everyone up here is envious that you're still seeing hummers; I saw my last one 8 days ago. And I'll look forward to their return in early May - when do they return for you?

[Dennis]

It is 9/26/08 and I still have 2 hummingbirds around here in middle GA. I have 2 feeders with only 1 left for them. I will leave it up for about a week after I have seen the last one. I will enjoy them until they have departed, then I'll look for them again in the spring.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

My last hummingbird was seen on Sep 13 (last year I saw one as late as Sep 19).
I still have my feeders up with fresh nectar in them. Just in case....

[Sue Fuss]

Looks like 9/13 will be the last day for the hummers this year. Meanwhile, the geese are starting to move and there's a pretty good stream of monarchs this weekend.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Sue,
Keep me posted on your last sighting date. I saw one yesterday (9/12) but am still waiting to see one today.

[Sue Fuss]

Last year I had my "last" ruby on Sept. 9. I saw at least two last night (11th) so I'm already "ahead" of 2006. Since I'm not allowed to have seed or suet feeders, this time of year is especially bittersweet for me...

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Veery,
It is kind of bittersweet to see them and know that we can probably count the remaining hummingbird days on both hands. Take time to relish every sighting you have!

[Veery]

We have three or four hummingbirds still hanging around, this is the first year we have had them stay for a few weeks. Usually, they only stop by for a day or two. I love watching them.