feeding hummingbirds
Posted by JOHN WILLIAMS on September 24, 2005
Q: when do you quit feeding hummingbirds in ohio. I'm told if you feed to long thay stay to long
THANKS JOHN
State: Ohio
A: You can feed as long as they're coming to your feeder! Hummingbirds "know" when to start south and the presence of food, even if special, won't keep them. This is one of those myths that gets shared more enthusiastically than fact. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that although "your" hummers may leave, others living farther north may stop at your feeder on their own migration route but not too much longer after the Ohio birds leave. Usually it's impossible to know who is who though. Hummingbirds in central New York have left for a good week now and I'll bring in my feeders very soon. People living in the south (especially Georgia and Florida) should have the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds around for some time yet. These guys will be fattening up there before their journey over the Gulf to the Yucatan.
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Thanks for asking.
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John Wiessinger ( September 24, 2005)