Seeing a Slow-down at your Hummingbird Feeders?

We're starting to hear that hummingbird sightings at birdfeeders are down. Here's some reasons why: 

1) Heat slows down bird activity (of all kinds). Watch for hummers early and late in the day when temps moderate. Consider adding a water mister for a nice water source for them.

2) Heat also breaks down nectar. Clean your feeders and replace nectar more often in hot weather.

3) Hummingbird natural food sources - insects and natural nectar - are extremely plentiful. Remember that our feeders are just a fast-food supplement for these guys!

4) Moms are busy tending to activities at the nest. She's a busy single mom spending many hours on the nest incubating eggs.  When the eggs hatch, she is very busy searching for high protein food sources (not nectar) to bring back to the nestlings.

Don't worry - you'll see them all soon.  Until then, try out some or all of these tips to increase your hummingbird enjoyment during these hot days of summer!

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

JG, that's a great report and obviously this little family is taking advantage of your easy food source. Keep up the good work!

[JG]

I seem to have a family (mom, dad, and baby) coming several times per hour all day long to my feeder. Is this normal? I never thought they would want to be there quite do often! I live in SE Michigan, and we are definitely experiencing drought conditions.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

G.Packard - glad to have helped! Thank you for stopping in to comment. By the way, hummingbird activity here seems to be back to a busy state. How about you?

[G. Packard]

so glad to hear this! I was wondering why they were coming to nectar less often. Very interesting. Thanks.