Here is a female ruby-throated hummingbird that I digiscoped today. She was perched in a showy mountain ash tree and it reminded to me put in the blog: DO NOT TAKE YOUR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS IN ON LABOR DAY!
Well, you can take your nectar feeders in if you are tired of watching hummingbirds. However, if you have heard or read some where that if you leave your feeder out, it could prevent the birds from migrating south, that is not true. It’s possible to see hummingbirds heading south all the way into early October up here in Minnesota–even later the further the south you live in the US. They can take the cooler temperatures–even a few nights below thirty degrees. Those later birds will appreciate the extra nectar sources if you keep your feeder out.
To track the southward migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds, visit here.
Oh and speaking of hummingbirds, check out this lighter colored one found in Ohio!
Over the last few years we have been getting Anna’s Hummingbirds hanging out through Boise’s winter at maintained and warmed hummingbird feeders. That’s interesting in that Anna’s are not seen here hardly ever during the rest of the year.
We banded a ruby-throated yesterday, so they’re definitely still around in NE Ohio!
I agree, you don’t need to take your feeders down, it does not prevent migration. In fact, it helps the birds fatten up for their flight.
We don’t have ruby-throated hummingbirds, here in San Diego, but several other kinds.
Yes, leave that feeder up! Not only will it help migrating Ruby-throateds but you might also attract some amazing vagrant hummingbird species.
I havent heard of any Ruby-throateds yet from here in Costa Rica (where they are a common wintering species on the Pacific coast), but they should show up any day now.
Now how could anyone be bored of seeing these lovely flashes of rainbows darting amongst the feeders.
Once again…learning something new on your blog once again! Thanks!