The question of when to stop feeding hummingbirds in Washington state concerns many dedicated observers. The answer is complicated by the state’s unique ecology, which supports different types of hummingbird populations throughout the year. Understanding the dynamics of these populations is necessary to make an informed decision about keeping a feeder available. The presence of both migratory and year-round resident species means that the timing for removing a feeder is not universal across the state.
Primary Hummingbird Species Residing in Washington
Washington State is primarily visited by four hummingbird species, categorized into two distinct groups based on seasonal residency. Migratory species include the Rufous, Calliope, and Black-chinned hummingbirds, which arrive in spring to breed and depart before winter. The Rufous hummingbird is a common summer visitor, especially in Western Washington.
The Anna’s Hummingbird is the resident species, often necessitating year-round feeding. This species has expanded its range northward and now remains throughout the entire year, particularly in the milder western regions of the state. This single species’ ability to overwinter changes the standard feeding practices that apply elsewhere in the country. Identifying which species is visiting your feeder in late fall is the first step in deciding whether to continue supplemental feeding.
Understanding Migration Timing and Feeder Dependence
Many people believe they must remove their feeders in the fall to “force” hummingbirds to migrate, but this is a misconception rooted in a misunderstanding of avian biology. Migration is not triggered by the availability of sugar water at a feeder. The urge to migrate is instead driven by complex biological factors, including photoperiod, which is the changing duration of daylight hours.
As the days shorten in late summer, hormonal changes prompt migratory species to begin accumulating fat reserves for their long journey south. Most migratory hummingbirds, such as the Rufous, typically depart Washington by late August or early September, long before cold weather arrives. A feeder that remains available will not prevent an instinct-driven bird from leaving, but it may provide a final, necessary energy boost for the journey.
The Necessity of Year-Round Feeding for Resident Birds
For many Washington residents, particularly those in the milder Puget Sound area, the feeding season should often not end. Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents, and they face significant challenges during the cold months, particularly during unexpected freezes. While these birds have the ability to enter a state of torpor, a temporary hypothermic condition that lowers their metabolic rate to conserve energy overnight, they still require substantial calories during the day.
Natural food sources, like nectar-producing flowers and small insects, become scarce when temperatures drop or snow falls. Supplemental nectar provides a dense, readily available energy source that can be crucial during a prolonged cold snap. Once you begin feeding Anna’s Hummingbirds, the commitment often extends through the winter to ensure a consistent, safely maintained food supply.
Essential Winter Feeder Maintenance
Since many hummingbirds remain in Washington year-round, proper winter maintenance of feeders is a primary concern for their safety. The standard nectar ratio of one part white cane sugar to four parts water is recommended year-round to mimic natural flower nectar. While some sources suggest increasing the concentration to a 1:3 ratio to lower the freezing point, many ornithologists advise against this due to potential long-term health concerns.
The most important maintenance task is preventing the nectar from freezing, which typically begins around 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Practical solutions include rotating multiple feeders, bringing one indoors to thaw while the other is outside, or using specialized commercial heating devices. Feeders should also be cleaned frequently, at least once a week even in cold weather, to prevent the growth of mold or fermentation, which can be harmful to the birds. Consistency is paramount, as resident hummingbirds rely on this expected source of energy throughout the day.