Preparing Your Hummingbird Feeders for Migration Season

As summer winds down, hummingbirds across North America begin their incredible journey south. For backyard bird lovers, this is both an exciting and bittersweet time — but it’s also one of the most important moments to support hummingbirds with reliable food sources.

At Trail Optics, we want you to get the most out of migration season while giving hummingbirds the fuel they need to succeed.

Why Migration Season Matters

• Energy demand: Hummingbirds double their body weight before migration, requiring calorie-dense food.
• Long-distance travel: Many species migrate thousands of miles, some crossing the Gulf of Mexico nonstop.
• Backyard opportunities: Fall is your last chance to enjoy these tiny visitors before they return next spring.

Migration Feeding Tips

• Leave feeders up until two weeks after your last sighting. Late migrants may still be passing through.
• Use the right nectar recipe. Stick to four parts water and one part sugar — nothing else.
• Offer multiple feeders. Reduces crowding during migration peaks.
• Provide safe placement. Position feeders near shelter but away from predators.

Smart Feeders for Seasonal Monitoring

Trail Optics smart feeders keep you connected to migration:

• Capture photos and videos of birds stopping by on their journey.
• Send alerts when nectar runs low during peak activity.
• Stand up to unpredictable fall weather with durable design.

Migration season is short, but with the right feeder setup, you can support hummingbirds when they need it most — and enjoy the unforgettable experience of seeing them prepare for their journey.