As autumn arrives and temperatures dip, you might notice fewer hummingbirds visiting your feeder. While this may seem like the right time to take everything down, it’s actually better to keep your feeders up a little longer. Many hummingbirds begin migrating south in late August and September, but some travel later, and a few may even linger until early winter. With just a few adjustments, you can turn your feeder into a much-needed food stop during this critical season.
Don’t take your feeders down too early
A common myth is that keeping feeders up too long will confuse hummingbirds and stop them from migrating. In reality, these birds rely on instinct and natural cues like daylight, not feeder availability. As food becomes harder to find in the fall, your feeder may be one of the few dependable sources of nectar. Keep it up for a few weeks after your last sighting—you might be helping late travelers fuel their long journey south.
Prevent nectar from getting too cold
Cold weather brings another challenge: frozen nectar. If the sugar water freezes or the feeding ports ice over, hummingbirds won’t be able to drink—and they may even hurt themselves trying. The easiest solution is to bring feeders inside at night and place them back out in the morning. You can also swap feeders throughout the day, wrap them in insulating materials like socks, or use hand warmers to prevent freezing. Sheltering them from wind and snow or adding a protective dome also helps keep the nectar liquid longer.
Keep the feeders clean and the nectar fresh
Even in cooler months, it’s important to keep feeders clean. On warmer autumn days, wash them every three days. As the air cools, twice a week is enough. Use a mix of one part white vinegar to two parts water to scrub every part of the feeder, then rinse well before refilling. Fresh nectar not only attracts more birds but also keeps them safe from harmful mold and bacteria.
Hummingbirds can be territorial, especially when nectar is scarce. If you’ve seen them squabbling or notice that your feeder empties quickly, consider putting up several small feeders instead of one large one. Spread them around your yard so each bird has a safe spot to feed. The result? Less fighting, more hummingbirds, and plenty of activity in your garden.
Plant some fall-blooming flowers close by
Feeders aren’t the only way to attract hummingbirds. Planting fall-blooming flowers gives them even more options to fuel up. Red blooms are especially appealing to them, with pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) being a top choice thanks to its scarlet flowers that last until frost. By combining flowers with feeders, you’ll create a reliable food haven that hummingbirds remember and return to year after year.