Know Your Region – Northern Regions: In areas like the northern U.S. and Canada, hummingbirds usually start migrating south in late August to early September. You can keep your feeders up until mid-September to support any late stragglers.
Central Regions: In the central U.S., feeders can stay up until late September or early October, as hummingbirds tend to linger a bit longer in these areas.
Southern Regions: If you're in the southern U.S., particularly in states like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, you might see hummingbirds well into November or even December. Keep your feeders up until at least mid-November.
Watch the Birds – Keep an eye on your feeders. If you notice a significant drop in visits, it may be a sign that the birds have moved on. However, some hummingbirds may stay around longer, so don't rush to take down the feeder too early.
Wait for Two Weeks – After you spot the last hummingbird, wait at least two weeks before taking down your feeder. This allows any late migrants or stragglers a chance to refuel before continuing their journey.
Year-Round Feeding – In some southern regions or areas with mild winters, you can leave your feeders up year-round. Some species, like the Anna's Hummingbird, may not migrate and could benefit from a constant food source during winter.
Monitor Weather Patterns – Unseasonably warm weather can delay migration. If you experience a warm fall, consider leaving your feeder up a bit longer.