When to Take down Hummingbird Feeders in Arkansas
The best time to take down hummingbird feeders in Arkansas is typically in late September or early October. By this time, most hummingbirds have migrated south for the winter. However, there are a few species of hummingbirds that remain in Arkansas year-round.
If you see a hummingbird at your feeder after October, it is likely one of these year-round residents.
In Arkansas, it is generally recommended to take down hummingbird feeders in mid-October. This allows the birds time to migrate south for the winter before cold weather sets in. Hummingbirds can become sluggish and less able to fly when temperatures drop, so taking down the feeders helps them avoid becoming stranded.
HOW to use eBird to figure out WHEN to take your hummingbird feeders down in the fall!
When Should Hummingbird Feeders Be Taken down in Arkansas
As the weather starts to cool down in Arkansas, so does the activity of hummingbirds. They begin to migrate south for the winter, and as a result, they need less food. Hummingbird feeders should be taken down when there is a significant decrease in the number of birds visiting them.
How Do I Know When It’S Time to Take My Hummingbird Feeders down
When to Take Down Your Hummingbird Feeders
The best time to take down your hummingbird feeders is when the natural migration pattern of these birds dictates. For those in North America, this typically happens to be around September or October.
But there are a few things you can do to help ensure the safety of these little creatures and give them the best chance at a safe journey.
If you live in an area where there is a risk for freezing temperatures, it’s important to take your hummingbird feeders down before this happens. Ice can form on the nectar inside the feeder and cause harm or even death to the birds that consume it.
If you know a cold snap is coming, be sure to empty your feeders and clean them thoroughly so they don’t become hazardous.
Another consideration is wind. High winds can damage hummingbird feeders and also make it difficult for the birds to reach the nectar inside.
If severe weather is forecasted, it’s best to take your feeders down until it passes.
Finally, if you notice that fewer and fewer birds are visiting your feeders as fall approaches, this is likely because they are preparing for their migration southward. When this happens, there’s no need to keep your feeders up – they won’t be used much anyway!
You can go ahead and take them down or simply leave them empty until next spring when the hummers return.
What Happens If I Don’T Take My Hummingbird Feeders down in Arkansas
If you don’t take your hummingbird feeders down in Arkansas, the hummingbirds will continue to come to the feeders and look for food. However, there is a chance that the hummingbirds may not be able to find enough food and they may starve.
Conclusion
If you live in Arkansas and have a hummingbird feeder, you need to take it down by September 1st. That’s because the little birds begin their migration south at that time and won’t be back until next spring. So, if you want to keep them around, make sure to take your feeder down and put it away until next year.
