The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the primary species observed in Ohio, visiting during warmer months before migrating south for winter. Residents often worry about safely removing nectar feeders without interfering with the birds’ long journey. Determining the correct removal time involves understanding the natural migration schedule and supporting late travelers. The goal is to maximize benefits for migrating birds while minimizing maintenance during late fall and early winter.
The Recommended Timing for Ohio
Ohio residents should maintain hummingbird feeders well past the time the majority of the population begins southward migration. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds start departing the state in late August and throughout September. Experts suggest keeping feeders operational until at least mid-October to ensure no traveler is left without fuel. This timing provides a buffer for birds migrating from farther north that are passing through Ohio.
A practical approach is monitoring your yard and leaving the feeder out for two full weeks after observing your last visitor. Extending the feeding period into October provides necessary high-energy sustenance for stragglers or juveniles making their first journey. This timeframe accounts for slight variations in migration timing due to weather patterns and individual bird schedules.
Migration Triggers and Feeder Dependency
A widespread misunderstanding is the belief that leaving feeders up too long prevents hummingbirds from migrating south. This concern is unfounded because the birds’ departure is not dictated by food availability. Hummingbirds rely on an internal biological mechanism, not external food scarcity, to signal migration. This instinctual drive is governed primarily by the shortening of daylight hours, a phenomenon known as photoperiodism.
As days grow shorter in late summer and early fall, a hormonal change prompts hummingbirds to increase feeding dramatically. They must gain significant weight, sometimes 25 to 40 percent of their body mass, to fuel the long flight to Mexico or Central America. Providing a reliable source of nectar supports their pre-migration weight gain. Feeder availability assists preparation for, rather than delays, the inevitable journey.
Handling Late-Season Stragglers
While most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are gone by mid-October, occasional late-season visitors, or stragglers, may appear. These birds are often late-migrating individuals or, rarely, vagrant species like the cold-tolerant Rufous Hummingbird. If you observe a hummingbird after the recommended mid-October removal date, immediately hang a clean, full feeder again. Keep one small feeder available and monitor it daily for signs of continued activity.
Late sightings necessitate renewed commitment to feeder hygiene and maintenance, as cold weather can cause nectar to spoil or freeze. If the bird remains, continue the routine until early November, or until the bird is no longer seen for a few consecutive days. Continuation of feeding helps the late bird reach a suitable wintering location.
Cleaning and Storing Your Feeder
Once you are certain all hummingbird activity has ceased for the season, the equipment requires thorough preparation for winter storage. Discard any remaining nectar and completely disassemble the feeder into its component parts. Scrub each piece thoroughly with hot water to remove residual sugar or sticky film, which prevents the growth of mold or bacteria.
To ensure proper sanitization, soak the parts in a mild solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, use a weak bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinse to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. Allow all parts to air-dry completely before reassembling or placing them into storage. Keeping the feeder clean and dry over the winter prevents damage and readies it for the return of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds the following April.