Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they flit around your yard, hovering around your flowers and feeders. But as the seasons change, it’s important to know when to take down your hummingbird feeders to ensure the health and safety of these tiny birds. Here’s what you need to know about when to take down hummingbird feeders in Colorado.
Contents
The Migration Season
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that spend their winters in warmer climates and return to Colorado in the spring. The migration season for hummingbirds in Colorado typically begins in late August or early September. During this time, it’s important to keep your feeders up and filled with fresh nectar to support the birds as they make their journey south.
The Fall Season
Once the migration season has passed, it’s time to start thinking about taking down your hummingbird feeders. In Colorado, the fall season is typically mild and can last well into November. However, you should take down your feeders once the temperatures start to consistently drop below freezing at night.
The Winter Season
During the winter season, hummingbirds are not typically found in Colorado. The cold temperatures and lack of food sources make it difficult for these birds to survive. Therefore, it’s important to take down your hummingbird feeders in the late fall to avoid attracting birds that may not survive the winter.
The Spring Season
As the temperatures begin to warm up in the spring, hummingbirds will return to Colorado. You can put your feeders back up once you start to see these birds in your area. Typically, this occurs in late April or early May. Make sure to clean your feeders thoroughly before putting them back up to avoid any bacteria or mold growth.
Signs It’s Time to Take Down Your Hummingbird Feeders
If you’re unsure of when to take down your hummingbird feeders, there are a few signs to watch for. The first is a decrease in hummingbird activity around your feeders. This is a sign that the birds are starting to migrate or that there is enough natural food available for them to sustain themselves.
The second sign is the onset of colder temperatures. Once the temperatures start to consistently drop below freezing at night, it’s time to take down your feeders. This will help prevent any birds from becoming dependent on the feeders and potentially not surviving the winter.
Conclusion
Knowing when to take down your hummingbird feeders in Colorado is important for the health and safety of these tiny birds. By keeping your feeders up during the migration season and taking them down in the fall, you can help support the birds during their journey south and avoid attracting birds that may not survive the winter. Remember to always clean your feeders thoroughly and keep an eye out for signs that it’s time to take them down.