This northern migration generally aligns with thebloom times of spring flowers.
They might not return to gardens that dont have any flowers or feeders available when they arrive in spring.
This guarantees that any early arrivals have something tasty to eat after their long migration.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Male hummingbirds often leave a week or two before female hummingbirds and arrive at destinations a little earlier.
When is the best time totake your hummingbird feeder down?
In colder areas, you could leave them up through fall or longer for late migrants.
Dont worry about messing up the migratory pattern of hummingbirds if you leave your feeder out.
They know when its time to leave, based on instinct, changes in daylight, etc.
Use less nectar in spring.
Hummingbirdfeeders should be cleaned out twice a weekin hot weather and once a week when temperatures are cool.
Dont use soaps or bleach, as these products may harm hummers.
Instead, select clear hummingbird nectar ormake your own hummingbird food with water and refined white sugar.
Hang feeders in shade.
Hummingbird feeders can be breeding grounds for bacteria if theyre not cleaned regularly.
Protect feeders from pests.
If you usemultiple hummingbird feedersin your garden, space feeders at least 10 feet away from each other.
Male hummingbirds are territorial and fight off other males if they see them.
As useful as hummingbird feeders are, they work best when used in conjunction with nectar-rich plants.
Annas hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast, and theyre often spotted at feeders in winter.
How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard.
