Migration Timing Varies by Region: The optimal time to take down your feeder depends on your location. In northern regions, feeders may be removed as early as late August, while in southern regions, they may stay up until November.
Monitor Local Hummingbird Activity: Keep an eye on your feeder. If you notice fewer visits, especially in late summer and early fall, it might be time to take it down.
Late Migrators May Still Need Support: Some hummingbirds migrate later than others. Keeping feeders up for a few extra weeks ensures late migrators have access to energy-rich nectar during their journey.
Photoperiod Triggers Migration: Hummingbirds sense the need to migrate based on shorter daylight hours. This natural rhythm helps them time their departure, so be aware of local daylight changes to estimate when migration might start.
Temperature Drops Influence Timing: Cooler temperatures also signal the birds to leave. When local nighttime temperatures begin to fall consistently below 50°F (10°C), hummingbirds will start migrating south.
Rufous and Anna's Hummingbirds Are Unique: Species like Rufous Hummingbirds may visit into early winter, and Anna’s Hummingbirds can overwinter in some western states, requiring feeders to remain up longer.
Leave Feeders Up Through October: In many regions, keeping your feeder up until the end of October ensures that any stragglers have the nectar they need as they make their final migration push.