If you enjoy watching hummingbirds around your porch or garden, now is not the time to put those feeders away. In fact, late summer and early fall can be some of the busiest weeks of the year at a hummingbird feeder.
Here in Upstate South Carolina, we are used to seeing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds throughout the summer. As we move through August and September, however, something begins to change. Hummingbirds start their fall migration south, and our yards may be visited not only by the birds that spent the summer here, but also by travelers coming through from farther north.
That is why I plan to keep my hummingbird feeders out, clean and filled through at least October 15.
They Need Energy for the Trip South
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their migration is anything but small. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds leave North America in the fall and winter in Mexico and Central America. (Audubon
Before and during that journey, they need dependable energy sources. A feeder filled with fresh sugar water can provide an easy place for a migrating bird to stop, eat, and continue its trip.
And don't worry that keeping your feeder out will convince a hummingbird to stay instead of migrating. Migration is driven by natural instincts and seasonal changes. Keeping a feeder available does not stop a healthy hummingbird from heading south when it is time. (Audubon)
September Can Be a Busy Month
You may actually notice more hummingbird activity around your feeder as fall approaches.
Some of the birds you see may not be your summer residents at all. They could be hummingbirds making their way south and discovering your feeder along their route.
That makes August, September, and early October good months to pay a little extra attention to the feeder.
Keep it filled.
Keep it clean.
And enjoy the show.
Keep the Nectar Simple
You do not need expensive hummingbird nectar.
The traditional mixture is simple:
1 part plain white sugar to 4 parts water.
You don't need to add red food coloring. A red feeder is enough to attract their attention.
During our warm South Carolina weather, nectar can spoil fairly quickly, so don't simply refill old nectar. Empty the feeder, clean it thoroughly, and replace it with fresh sugar water regularly. In hot weather, feeders may need fresh nectar every couple of days. (Homes and Gardens)
October 15 Is an Easy Date to Remember
There isn't a magical calendar date when every hummingbird leaves South Carolina. Migration happens over time, and occasionally a late traveler will appear after most of the others are gone.
For me, October 15 is a good minimum date to remember.
Leave the feeders up and maintained through then. If you are still seeing hummingbirds after October 15, there is no reason you have to take the feeder down. Keeping it available longer can help a late migrant passing through. Audubon guidance notes that leaving feeders up does not interfere with migration. (Maine Audubon)
One of the Pleasures of Living in the Upstate
I enjoy so many little things about living in the mountains and foothills of South Carolina. Watching a hummingbird come to a feeder outside the kitchen window is certainly one of them.
It doesn't take much work to help these little travelers along.
So wash the feeder, mix up some fresh sugar water, hang it where you can see it, and keep it ready through October 15.
You never know who may stop by for supper on the way south.
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