Randolph

By late September, ruby-throated hummingbirds have been migrating through Arkansas for more than 2 months and birders may find there are fewer and fewer birds at their feeders.  Scientists determined that hummingbird migration is initiated based on day length so the presence of sugar water feeders will not stop hummers from flying south to winter in Central America.  Many hummingbird hosts and hostesses simply leave their feeders up until they stop seeing birds at their feeders.  Other people leave the feeders up through the month of October in case they can provide a needed meal to a late migrating hummer.  For those people that need a firmer rule of when to take their feeders down,  feeders with fresh sugar water should be left up for 2 weeks after the last hummingbird has been seen in the area.