Decreased Activity at Feeders
Have you noticed a slowdown at your bird feeders? Over the last few weeks, we have begun to receive our annual “where are my birds?” questions and if you are one of the many folks noticing this, we’d like to put your mind at ease. This is normal, and we experience this every year around this time.
There are a couple reasons for this. Remember back in May and June, when it felt like you were refilling your feeders once or twice a day? During those months, (the busiest time of year at the feeders) birds are eating not only for themselves, but for their young as well. Fast forward to late summer/fall, the young have left the nest, the breeding season has concluded, so they now only have to eat enough for themselves.
The other reason for reduced feeder activity is because everything in nature that produces food, be it nuts, seeds, fruits, or berries has or is producing food right now. This coupled with the warm weather means that insects are still extremely prevalent, (as you’ve likely discovered for yourself if you have tried to go outside to enjoy the last few nice evenings.) so there is an abundance of food available for them in the wild this time of year. Our weekly seed shipments are how we know that the birds never depend on our feeder offerings; during May and June, we have to order between 7,000-9,000 pounds of seed each week. During September and October however, we might order as little as 3,000 pounds per week.
To summarize, if you have started to notice a decline in your feeder activity, there is nothing wrong, it is all part of the natural order of things. Feeder activity will begin to increase again once we get into November, with cooler temperatures becoming the norm and insects becoming scarce. In the meantime though, we do have a few suggestions for ways to get your birding fix.
Pileated Woodpeckers Feeding
Photo by Eli Haislip
Peak Activity at Hummingbird Feeders, Hummingbird Sale
While things might be slowing down at your seed feeders, hummingbird feeders are a different story. August and September are actually the busiest time of the year at hummingbird feeders. That’s right! If you put up a feeder this spring and became discouraged by the lack of activity, not only is it not too late, now is the best time. Now that hummingbirds have concluded their nesting, they are turning their attention to fattening up for their long migration south. In addition, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that nested further north are already on the move, meaning they will be passing through and visiting feeders as well as our hummers that spent the season here.
If you want a place nearby to sit, relax, and enjoy impressive numbers of hummingbirds, consider stopping by the Warner Park Nature Center. It is the best place in the area to watch hummingbirds!
We also inevitably get questions about a lack of feeder activity this time of year. While your location often dictates your numbers of hummers, a complete lack of interest in your feeder is unusual. When we hear this, the first question we ask is always “When was the last time you changed your nectar?” If the answer is more than three days, that is your culprit. During summer temperatures, nectar needs to be changed at least every two to three days, otherwise it will ferment and/or grow mold. Make sure to keep your feeders clean and you nectar fresh, you don’t want to be the person who misses the hummers because of spoiled nectar and dirty feeders!
To celebrate the peak activity, all hummingbird feeders and accessories are 20% off, now through Friday, August 29th!
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird Visiting a Perky Pet Pinch-waist Feeder
Photo by Eli Haislip
Providing Water, Select Fountains on Sale
Another way to attract birds to your backyard during late summer and fall is by providing water. While running water is the most attractive option, that is not to say they won’t drink or bathe in still water! This week, in addition to our special on hummingbird feeders, our Hydrangea Leaves fountains will also be on sale 20% off! Don’t let the shallow depth of these fountains fool you, birds will still happily drink and splash around in these. Also, because of the depth of the reservoir, a deicer can also be used meaning this fountain can stay out year-round! Our supply is extremely limited, so if you want to take advantage of this sale, it might be worth calling ahead to make sure we are not out.
Campania Hydrangea Leaves Fountain, Regularly $320, This Week, $256
Photo by Campania International