Hummingbirds

     If you're thinking about taking your hummingbird feeder down please don't. If you are worried that by leaving it up too long you are preventing the birds from flying south, please don't be because my research tells me that hummingbirds migrate according to hormonal changes and leaving the feeder up won't make them stay longer than they normally would. The changes are set off by the length of light during the day and other factors.



(male) Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

     By leaving your feeder up you are helping the birds increase their weight that they are going to need for their migration. I have found out the migration should be finished by Thanksgiving. I've learned you can do this or wait a week or two after you don't see your regulars anymore before taking the feeders down.

     Hummingbirds usually live up to 3 or 4 years. There was one recorded that lived up to 12 years of age.  According to worldofhummingbirds.com, the summer habitat of the ruby-throated hummingbird is eastern North America and Canadian prairies. Their winter habitat is southern Mexico, Central America and as far south as Costa Rica and the West Indies.

     As you can see I only use natural sugar and water. The mixture can be made by adding 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water and boiling for one minute only. Let mixture cool completely before refilling feeder. Mixture should be kept fresh once a week.