Feeding hummingbirds can be a great joy from spring through fall, but in northern areas, when is it really time to take in hummingbird feeders and store them for winter? The answer isn’t always a clear-cut as a calendar date.

The Seasons of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds typically make their first annual appearances at feeders in late spring or early summer, depending on where hummingbird lovers live. In the northernmost parts of these flying gems’ range, they may not arrive until mid- or late May, or even very early June. In southern areas, hummingbirds could be spotted as early as late March or early April.

These birds remain frequent feeder guests through the height of summer. At that time, insects and natural nectar-rich flowers are abundant, giving the birds plenty of food sources to nourish their young through the nesting season.

In late summer and into fall, hummingbirds start to leave and begin their southward migrations. In northern regions where the birds have further to go to reach their wintering grounds, they may begin leaving as early as late July or early August. In southern regions, hummingbirds might not begin migrating until late September or early October.

Of course, in some very southern regions, hummingbirds are year-round feeder guests. This is especially true throughout Florida and along the Gulf Coast, as well as southern parts of Arizona, Texas, and California, depending on available habitats.

Exactly When to Take in Hummingbird Feeders

When hummingbirds are moving on, it will be time to take in hummingbird feeders. Exactly when that is will depend on specific regions as well as available natural foods, seasonal weather patterns, and the overall local population of hummingbirds.

A good rule of thumb is to watch feeders carefully and finally remove them when no hummingbirds have been seen for two full weeks, even during typically busy feeding times such as the morning and evening. In southern areas where late-arriving migrants might be trickling in later in the season, however, it can be best to wait for three weeks without sightings before taking in hummingbird feeders.

To be extra cautious, taking note of nectar levels on a daily basis can help you determine just how popular the feeder may be, even if you can’t watch too closely for individual hummingbird sightings. If the nectar is disappearing quickly, it may be best to leave the feeder available for hungry visitors – even though those may not always be hummingbirds. Particularly overnight, some species of bats may also be visiting nectar feeders, and the sweet sips can help support their seasonal migrations as well.

It is also important to note that migration isn’t always linear. As hummingbird populations shift throughout the season, there may be several days without any birds visiting, then suddenly several may show up at once. While these birds do not migrate in flocks, they may be utilizing similar routes and the same food sources along the way, which can give the appearance of migratory flocks.

One persistent myth about feeding hummingbirds during migration is that it will delay the birds’ departure and prevent them from actually leaving on their journeys. A number of studies, as well as independent observations, have proven this to be untrue. In fact, providing hummingbirds with fresh, clean nectar throughout the fall will help the birds stay well-nourished and have enough energy to safely make their way south. Keeping feeders up just a little longer, then, is actually a good thing!

Special Times to Take in Hummingbird Feeders

Regardless of the season or the geographic location, there are some times when it is necessary to take in hummingbird feeders.

• Storms – When bad weather threatens, hummingbird feeders should be brought inside or at least positioned in a more sheltered spot so they aren’t whipped around by wind. If the feeders get to swaying too much, they can leak or may hit against walls, poles, or branches that can cause damage. Hummingbirds will not feed in the midst of storms, so removing the feeders at that time will not deprive any birds of a snack.
• Freezes – If a hard freeze is predicted in early spring or late fall, hummingbird feeders should be taken in so the nectar does not freeze. As nectar freezes, it would expand and could cause warping or cracks, which would lead to future leaks. Different steps can be taken to keep the nectar from freezing, such as a nearby, outdoor-safe heat lamp or a slightly sweeter nectar solution, or else bring the feeder inside until temperatures rise.
• Bears – Some northern areas are natural ranges for bears, and bears can have a very keen taste for sweets. If local communities put out warnings to seal trash cans and take in other types of bird feeders, hummingbird nectar feeders should also be taken in so there is no risk of attracting hungry bears into yards and neighborhoods where they can be a danger to others and at risk themselves.
• Maintenance – All hummingbird feeders need frequent cleaning to avoid bacteria and fungus growth that can sour nectar and be deadly to hummingbirds. It is best to take the feeders down so they can be thoroughly cleaned, and at the same time, any parts could be repaired or replaced as needed. Disinfecting perches and poles is also a good idea when the feeders are taken in.

No matter the reason, when hummingbird feeders are taken in, they should be carefully stored where they won’t be broken or damaged before the next time they are needed. This will ensure the feeders are ready for refilling in early spring and no early-arriving hummingbird will miss out on a fresh, sweet drink as soon as they need one.