Seeing hummingbirds delight at yard feeders is one of the many delights of birders across the South, but making sure they are kept delighted– and remaining at your feeder– can be a frustrating thought.

Depending on where you live, the hummingbird feeder can be put out as early as late February, however when should you remove hummingbird feeders?

According to the National Audubon Society, feeders can be stayed out as long as there are hummingbirds around.

” You can even continue to offer the feeder after your hummingbirds disappear– late migrants or out-of-range species can show up into early winter season,” their website states. “Follow the standards for keeping the feeders clean, even if the nectar goes unblemished. Always dispose of any unused nectar in the feeder when you take it down for cleansing.”

Sea McKeon, Director of Marine Program for American Bird Conservancy, agrees.

” I live in central Florida,” McKeon informs Southern Living. “If you have the wherewithal to maintain hummingbird feeders year-round here, there is an opportunity at having hummers present at any season.”
When To Take Down Hummingbird Feeders
McKeon says that in Florida– and the East Coast more usually– there is one species of hummingbird typically checking out feeders: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

” As fall sets in, most of these birds leave south of the United States, (though) some decide to stay through the winter season,” McKeon states. “These overwintering birds are regularly joined by smaller varieties of hummingbirds from more western parts of the continent, and even the periodic roaming or ‘vagrant’ from Mexico or the Caribbean Islands. These winter season visitors can make the effort of maintaining a year-round feeder beneficial.”

McKeon likewise keeps in mind that other nectar feeding birds and animals will utilize hummingbird feeders, too.

” Orioles, some warblers, bananaquits, moths, (and) charming nectar-feeding bats,” he says.
What Happens If You Leave Your Hummingbird Feeder Up Too Long?
While it’s possible to attract hummingbirds year-round depending on your exact area, it’s a bit more work to preserve the feeder.

” The sugar water mixture can ruin fairly rapidly offered the weather,” McKeon discusses. “This will stop hummingbirds from utilizing feeders, possibly attract less preferable visitors such as ants and wasps, and can be an undesirable eyesore-exactly the opposite from a well kept feeder.”
Why It’s Important To Follow A Schedule With Hummingbird Feeders
Basically: Hummingbirds are animals of habit.

” They like understanding where the food sources are, and they keep an eye on what is flowering and where,” McKeon says. “Having feeders up and filled when hummingbirds first arrive in a location in spring can ensure you are ‘on their map’ as a known resource.”