Keep Your Hummingbird Feeder Out To Help Migrating Birds

By Kimberly J Epp - Nature Writer and Columnist

Remember to keep your clear hummer sugar water mixtures in bright feeders out two weeks past seeing the last hummer in your garden, as there are always stragglers. Some even wait until the end of the month to migrate, as hummers have been seen that late here in this province.

You won't be hurting them by feeding them. Contrary, you will help them immensely by giving them that added boost they require for their thousand's mile long journey. Their most amazing feat is the 5 hour flight across the gulf of Mexico - all fueled by nectar/sugar.

Photo courtesy Bob Schultz from Moose Jaw

Neat fact - if they found food at your house THIS year, they will more than likely return again NEXT year, as they remember where this food was to be found - as they make these areas their territories. They will bring their family with them too, so be prepared with some additional feeders.

Always keep trying, plant lots of brightly coloured native flowers or non-native, such as the bright red crocosmus.

I was so happy to hear that my BFF attracted hummers this year. I look forward to her reaction when they return in the Spring! Their memories are much better than mine to recall where they found food. I often cannot recall why I walked into a certain room!