The hummers migrate on their own when the daylight hours get shorter, so you don't have to worry about confusing them with your feeder. There's always latecomers so keep your feeders up until you're sure there's no laggers that will appreciate the extra food on their way south.

If you have any neighbors with feeders they might be able to tell you about when this might be, or check with the local birding groups.

I leave mine out until November, just in case any late migrators pass by. I've never seen one past early October. They know when to move on...

Feed them until they leave. Feeding them won't keep them around when they know it is time to leave and it will assure they have full tummies when they do leave. They decide to migrate based on sun and weather, not food supply.

I'm here in West Michigan. I leave my feeders up untill I havent see a hummer for weeks, usually early November. I have had one stay as long as mid October. I just want to be sure all the migrators have had a rest stop to refule.

I've heard of some staying through the winter, so there's really no deadline. They may be old or sick and can't make the migration.

So, I've been told by more experienced birders I can leave the feeders up year round if there are any takers. Can you imagine how scarce food is in the winter? Of course they need more than what we provide, but at least they have that.

Donna, VA

Katie, I'm in Northern Indiana -- I always leave mine up till I see no hummers at all . . . sometime in October. My feeders are busier right now than ever -- I assume juvies and migrators. My little 2-year grandson stood at the window transfixed for two minutes today watching one at the feeder!

Katie---Hi , Im just south of Indianapolis and hummers will leave when its time , controlled by urges much stronger than hunger. Sometimes there times when a hummer will stay behind because it is too weak or too old to make the trip and by leaving our feeders out we can help a hummer in this situation maybe to live a little longer than it would otherwise. But by leaving feeders will in no way encourage them to stay longer than they should, if they stay there are other reasons, so by all means leave your feeders up untill you see no hummers for a few weeks, use your own judgement. Last year my hummers were gone before sept but I didnt have the hummer habitat I have now. IM having around 10 hummers each day and I doubt they are all the same as the day before as today I had 4 adult males amoung the group which would be unusual for this time of year for my area. Hummers now are looking for places to fatten up for the trip. I know they will soon leave but it wouldnt hurt to increase the dozage at this time .

I have counted 23 hummingbirds at once around my ffders for about 9 years and believe me when it is time to go they know it..