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hopper bird feeders seem slow this time of year?
Backyard feeders may seem a bit slow this time of year… but it isn’t bye-bye birdie just yet! Although hummingbirds and other migratory friends have started their journeys to winter breeding grounds, many of your resident birds who brave harsh winters are still around.Food in the wild is plentiful this fall, there’s an abundance resulting from the spring record rains (especially in the east). Fruit producing trees like Crabapples, and berry producing shrubs like Winterberry Holly, are heavily laden with fruit right now.
But you can be sure just as soon as it gets colder, they will return to your hopper bird feeders, suet feeders, and thistle feeders. Insects will disappear, and the berries and seeds of fall will be long-gone. Resident birds like Jays, Woodpeckers, Titmice, Nuthatches and even Bluebirds (in some areas) will over-winter. Keep bird feeders full and fresh… cuz they’ll be back soon!
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the versatile window hummingbird feeder
It’s kind of bittersweet-the end of hummingbird season. When the beloved flying jewels have left for their winter homes, and all’s that’s left for us is cleaning and storing the feeders for next season. But it doesn’t have to be!A basin style window hummingbird feeder can do double duty to serve your resident birds treats during the winter season. From seed mixes, or shelled peanuts, to suet chunks and even mealworms, window hummingbird feeders that feature a basin style can do a two-in-one. Lids remove easily, creating a window feeder for prefect close-up views.
Your resident birds will thank you, especially during frigid weather. So instead of storing that window hummingbird feeder this year, be creative and offer feather friends another feeding spot… without the cost of a new feeder!
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don’t take those hummingbird feeders down just yet…
It’s a total myth that leaving your hummingbird feeders up will encourage them not to migrate!Now that the autumn is officially here, daylight hours have begun to dwindle – which sends an innate message to birds and other wildlife as well. Even though temperatures are still on the warm side, (at least here in the south) hummingbirds know it’s time to leave for their winter breeding grounds, nature has hard-wired this instinct as a matter of survival.
Leaving your hummingbird feeders up, fresh and full will greatly help the little sprites on their long journey back to Central and South America. You see, hummingbirds need to double their body weight before their migration can begin, and it’s been a tough season for them here this year. Severe drought in the South, along with Hurricane Irene in the Northeast, has greatly reduced (if not wiped out) the nectar-producing flowers they depend upon for food.
Here in our GA backyard, hummer activity has been a constant buzz over the last two weeks and is just starting to ease up. There are still around 10-15 birds seen around our feeders daily. Extra hummingbird feeders were placed around the property and definitely put to good use! Stragglers from the north who are still heading south find the place a great stop-over, an oasis to re-fuel before heading on their way!
One other interesting fact: hummingbirds practice “site fidelity” which means if they find your yard inviting (food, water, and shelter) they’ll be back next year to grace your place!
Birding Tips, Information & News