With autumn migration right around the corner, the question “When should I remove my hummingbird feeders?” seems to be floating around lately.
Some people are concerned that leaving their feeders out will keep the hummingbirds from departing for warmer climates.
There is no reason to worry!

Hummingbirds tend to head south in early October here in North Carolina and there are even reports of a few which actually spend the winter on our southern coastline.
Due to hormonal changes when the days begin to shorten, neither food supply nor the weather has any effect on their migratory behavior.
They will move south regardless of wether or not they’ve got easy access to nectar in backyard feeders.

Hummingbirds all have this biological pull, and they’ll need this food to fatten up for the migration ahead.
Just keeping your feeders clean and full is great, and once they’re gone, you’ll know that you helped out!

Photo by @sally_siko .