When am I supposed to take my hummingbird feeder down? I still have a hummingbird visiting, and I don’t want her to freeze!” As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, this question becomes increasingly common for the folks who work at Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“The answer is, don’t take your feeders down,” says Mark Klym, TPWD coordinator of the Texas Hummingbird Roundup

Years ago, the answer would have been different. “At one time, we would tell people to take their feeders down about early November, out of fear these birds would not migrate,” Klym said. “Through programs like the Texas Hummingbird Roundup, banding studies and the simple availability of information to be shared easily across the nation; we are learning that these birds are not as fragile as we thought.”

In Texas, hummingbirds of various species have been seen in the winter months as far north as Amarillo. In other states, winter visits have been reported as far north as the Canadian border.

“It is important though to keep the feeders clean and fresh.” Klym cautioned. “During the winter we do not have to change the feeders as often, but it is still important to empty and wash them about once every 6 days. To save on sugar and water expenses, do not fill the feeders as full when there are not as many birds using them.”

TPWD encourages Texans to participate in the Texas Hummingbird Roundup – an annual survey that tracks these birds and the resources they use in Texas. To find out more about the roundup visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/hummingbirds or call 512-389-4644.