Fall Information for
Hummingbirds
Fall Improvement Section
Beth Boger-Master Gardener
Volunteer
One of my very favorite birds is the hummingbirds.
The other birds come to the feeders and move on, but the hummingbirds are
there every few minutes. We have three feeders, each one placed carefully so we
can watch the birds come and go.
It is almost time for the hummingbirds to migrate south for
the winter. It is important that we
keep the feeders out and plenty of food in them so our hummingbirds do not start
their journey hungry. The drought
has dried up or killed many of the flowers that should be available to feed the
hummingbirds this fall. Much of
their journey will be through drought areas so keep your feeders out until you
are sure there are no other hummingbirds passing through from areas further
north. It is better to partially
fill each feeder and change it more often than to completely fill one and then
not change the water often enough. I
seldom ever fill a feeder even half full since the water will sour before my
birds will finish eating it.
It is extremely important that we keep the feeders washed and clean all
year, but very important that you clean them thoroughly before you put them away
for the winter. I am sure there are
many ways you can clean them, however, I have my own little system.
The bases of most feeders will pop apart for cleaning.
It is important that you open them to be sure there are no hidden areas
that do not get clean. I partially
fill the bottles and bases with hot water, add a drop of dishwashing detergent
and some Clorox and shake well. Then
I let them sit a while to be sure all mold or mildew is killed.
After this I rinse in vinegar water followed by rinsing in clear water.
Then allow each section to air dry before storing for the winter.
Enclose the feeders in plastic bags or other containers so they will
remain clean until spring.
If you do not already feed the hummingbirds start now planning for next
year. Look for areas close to
windows so you can watch them come and go. Buy
feeders now so you will be able to get them out before the first hummingbirds
arrive about mid March. You can have
many hours of pleasure watching them if you carefully place the feeders where
you can see them when you sit down to eat or relax and get an early start.