It is nearing the time to say goodbye to our Ruby-Throated Hummingbird friends for the season.
They’re building up their energy reserves, so keeping your feeders full and your flowers blooming will provide much needed sustenance. As the days grow shorter, their urgency to migrate increases, making these last few weeks of their presence a special time to observe these tiny, resilient birds.
Placing hummingbird feeders out can help with sustenance for migrating birds. Hang feeders in partially shaded areas to reduce spoilage. Feeders should be cleaned every couple of days during hot weather and at least weekly in cooler weather. Effective cleaning can be accomplished by using hot soapy water for cleaning and rinsing thoroughly. After thoroughly cleaning, refill the feeder with fresh nectar.
Practice responsible birding by creating homemade nectar and avoiding red dye. Homemade nectar is easy to make: simply mix four parts water with one part granulated sugar, boiling the mixture briefly to dissolve the sugar and then letting it cool completely before filling feeders.
Fall is the perfect time to plant some natural nectar producers. Hummingbirds are attracted to red or orange tubular flowers, but will feed from a variety of blooms in assorted colors. Penstemon barbatus (Beardtongue), Salvia coccinea (annual Salvia), and Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine), fit the bill and are some of hummingbirds favorite flowers to visit. Some Wisconsin native hummingbird favorites are Aquilega canadensis (Columbine), Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop), Lobelia cardinalis (Red Cardinal Flower), and Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot).
As the season wraps up, fill your hummingbird feeders one last time. Plant some hardy perennials for natural hummingbird food for next season. Plan to add some of hummingbird’s favorite annuals to your spring annual lineup. Get your feeders back out and ready by late April to welcome back our fine feathered friends.