I live in central New York when do I stop feeding birds so they can migrate south?

Question

I live in central New York and I feed lots of birds. I do know that some birds leave earlier than others but the birds here are a mixture of all kinds and I do not know one kind from another. My question is when do I stop feeding them so they can migrate south?
Thanks
Colleen

Answer 1

Lots of good answers from everybody so far!

We're longtime birders and we'd suggest feeding the birds all year. Those that migrate will leave when the time is right. Many other species stay around all winter and some will head to your yard from farther north.

They'll all need food, especially in winter. We put out black oil sunflower seeds in two squirrel-proof feeders, thistle seed in a tube feeder, suet in a suet feeder. We wail 'til the hummingbirds leave before we stop filling those feeders.

The suggestion to get a bird book is an excellent one. The library has good ones you can borrow, as well. It does seem more fun when you can identify your visitors. Binoculars can be a help.

Water and cover are very important also. We have a fountain in our yard and the sound of running water really draws the birds. Cover (trees and shrubs) will provide a place to hide, roost and nest.

It's not too difficult or expensive to attract many species to your yard. We had spotted over 70 species at our old house and over 60 at our new one 15 miles away (including a bald eagle). As we increase the amount of cover in the yard and put in more bird-friendly plants (thistle and suchlike), we expect to see more.

Answer 2

To my understanding birs all birds distinctivly know when to fly south regardless of how long you leave food out. Also you have some birds that never migrate. Hope this helos you. Bird Lover, Albert

Answer 3

You can keep your feeders up for a while...the birds will migrate when they need to, you will not keep them there by having food available. Keep in mind that not all birds migrate...some are resident year round, so you can continue to feed them as long as you are able.

Answer 4

They should begin to migrate as soon as the weather changes in the fall. At home, here in Pa, we actually switch to a fattier seed for cool weather, around mid September, such as a mix containing more shelled nuts and black oil sunflower seeds. It helps the winter birds out, too, which keeps your environment much livelier in the winter.

I sought a little professional advice for you, too, and found some from the Humane Society and Cornell U:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/FAQsBirdFeeding.htm#migration

http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/feeding_birds_in_winter/

Answer 5

When you go to the park and find no birds around. There are some birds that don't migrate.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

keep feeding the birds. if they want to go - they will. they are driven by instinct to breed and stay warm. your feeders will not deter migration. do yourself a favor- get a little paperback book on bird identification. its more fun than you think. i use to laugh at "bird people", but i am becoming one!!

Answer 8

they will migrate on their own. have inner body schedules. feed as long as you like, will leave on their own; those that stay are there for the winter. and love being fed too...nothing like a fat chick-o-dee hanging around the feeder. :)

Answer 9

Birds will instinctively know when it's time for them to leave. I don't think that your feeding them is going to have any effect on that. When it's time to go, they'll leave.

Answer 10

hummingbirds, you'll have to stop soon, as long as there is food there they will stay, then when it gets cold, it'll be to late for them to get to a warmer place, I learned the hard way, I stop feeding them the first week of Sept.