Keep Feeders Up

Keep Feeders Up
Leaving your feeders up for stragglers at least two weeks after you think you've seen your last hummer can mean the difference between life and death for stragglers or juveniles who needed more time to grow. If you live in the southeastern U.S., leaving a feeder up might also attract one of the western hummers that visit the region in small numbers every winter. Your feeders will not delay migration, as hummers are driven to migrate by forces more powerful than hunger.

"We will keep feeders full until we have seen no birds for at least 2 weeks. Late migrating birds will find a big Texas welcome at our home!"

Elizabeth L. of Willis Point, Texas (September 5, 2013)

Immature male Rufous feeding from Turk's Cap, Hamelia, and feeder
Photo: Nancy and Joe Long of Cyprus, TX