7 Ways To Help Hummingbirds in October – The Best Thing Isn’t Putting Out More Food
Support stragglers, late juveniles and year-round residents with these simple steps
After a summer spent darting around parks and yards and entertaining everyone with their adorable avian antics, most hummingbirds have now left for warmer climes.
However, while hummingbird migration is nearing completion in all but the most southern states, it's not unusual for a few stragglers or late juveniles to remain. Some hummingbird species will even overwinter in parts of the U.S.
If you live in one of these regions and know how to attract hummingbirds, you can support these late leavers and year-round residents on their epic journeys or through the cooler seasons by leaving out kit, like this solar-powered cascade hanging bird bath from Lowe's. Discover what else can help these tiny travellers according to ornithology experts.
Hummingbird Behaviour in October
The primary factor that drives timing of migration in hummingbirds is the change in day length. However, in general, adult males leave the earliest, followed by adult females, and lastly juvenile birds.
'Other factors include age, sex, weather patterns, and (for some species) resource availability,' explains Yuka Wu at Project FeederWatch, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 'However, different species respond to these cues in different ways.
'Younger hummingbirds may migrate later to finish building fat reserves, maturing, and molting. Hummingbirds may also pause migration to wait out temporary bad weather and cold snaps.
'Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds will not delay migration due to the presence of feeders.'
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be spotted along the Gulf Coast in early October, and a variety of migrant and resident hummingbird species can still be seen in several southwestern states, such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
'The first week of October captures the tail end of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds' migration, however they are still present in some areas of the Southeast, such as Florida, Louisiana, and southeastern Texas,' says Yuka.
'Allen's hummingbirds are still in Southern California this month, while Anna’s Hummingbirds are in places along the Pacific Coast year-round. Roufus are around in parts of the Southwest, such as New Mexico and Texas.
'During October, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds can be spotted in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Texas too.'
Calliope, Costa's and Black-chinned hummingbirds are also amongst the species that may still visit your yard in some of these regions.
Yuka Wu is an engagement support specialist for Project FeederWatch, a participatory science project run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that monitors winter bird populations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She joined Team FeederWatch in October 2025 after graduating from UCLA where she studied Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, and became immersed in the world of birds.
1. Plant Late-Blooming Native Plants
What you plant in your yard in the fall is entirely dependent on your region and the weather you experience during the cooler months. However, planting flowers that attract hummingbirds is still worthwhile in the southern states mentioned.
'Planting late-blooming native plants is one of many ways to support hummingbirds in fall,' says Yuka. 'In addition to nectar-producing plants with tubular flowers, having plants can also attract insects, which are a vital part of hummingbirds’ diets.
'Some plants to consider are Scarlet Beebalm, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Scarlet Sage, Cardinal Flower, Red Columbine, and Jewelweed.'
'Some other good fall bloomers for hummingbirds that do well across most of the U.S. are Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) and many species of Hummingbird Mint (Agastache),' says Alice Madar, Executive Director, The International Hummingbird Society.
'In the dry west, Chuparosa (Justicia california) and Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) are also good fall bloomers. In the east, an important native bloomer for fall migration is Spotted Jewelweed, also known as Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis).'
This Agastache Red Dwarf Hummingbird Mint from Plant Addicts is suitable for containers or flower beds and borders in zones 6-10.
The Estrellita Little Star Firecracker Bush from Plant Addicts is native to southwestern portion of North America and required little care once established.
Alice Madar has been Executive Director of The International Hummingbird Society since September 2023. Having demonstrated a deep commitment to conservation, hummingbirds, and the Sedona Hummingbird Festival as well as a talent for leading a non-profit, Alice was a natural fit.
2. Leave Brush Piles
Once leaves start falling and flowers start browning or self-seeding, the desire to tidy the garden can be strong. However, many people are now wise to the wonders of wildlife gardening.
Trimming judiciously, tidying less and leaving nature to its own devices (as much as possible) will support resident or late-leaving hummers and other wildlife in general.
'Leaving brush piles of logs and twigs, loose leaf litter, and delaying cutting back perennial stalks provide shelter and supports the insects hummers feed on,' says Yuka. 'Having a slightly “messy” yard or garden can be beneficial for hummingbirds and other birds.'
If you want to create a brush pile in your yard, this Smart Cart from Burpee make slight work of carrying logs, twigs and leaf litter.
3. Grow Evergreens
Growing evergreen trees in your yard not only provides privacy from prying eyes, winter interest and life when other plants in the landscape may be dormant, these dense species offer a pit stop in late summer and early fall for migrating hummers too.
'As October arrives, hummingbird migration is reaching its final stages across many regions,' explains Hilary Morejon, Banding Project Leader, The International Hummingbird Society.
'While the vast majority of these tiny travelers have already headed south, a few late-season migrants known as "stragglers" are still passing through - and your support can help ensure they safely continue south.
'As the leaves drop from deciduous trees, hummingbirds may become more exposed to the elements and to predators. However, the dense vegetation in evergreen trees provide overnight shelter and security as hummingbirds rest up for the next leg of their journey.'
This Deodar Cedar tree from Trees.com is low-maintenance and has a long lifespan. It will grow well in zones 7-9 and is hardy down to 10ºF.
Hilary is a permitted bander under Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN) and leads the hummingbird banding and monitoring project for The International Hummingbird Society at Page Springs Fish Hatchery in Cornville, near Sedona. She is a hummingbird enthusiast who has a strong passion for these phenomenal birds.
Shop Beneficial Trees & Plants
This fast-growing shrub tolerates drought and poor soils once established and grows well in zones 7-11, providing shelter for hummers and other birds.
This Estrellita Little Star Firecracker Bush grows 1-2' tall and wide, thrives in zones 8-10 and is loved by hummingbirds and other pollinators.
This Whipcord Western Red Cedar can reach a mature height and width of 4-5'. It's native to the Pacific north west and suitable for zones 5-8.
4. Ensure Water Sources Are Available
As summer draws to a close and the rain returns, it's easy to forget about topping up the bird bath or hummingbird mister. Yet keeping these vessels clean and filled with water is as important in the fall as it is in spring and summer.
'Providing water sources can be especially helpful for hummingbirds during fall migration, as natural water sources such as puddles and streams can still dry up,' says Alice. 'Bubblers, drippers, and other systems that allow for moving water are especially attractive to hummingbirds.'
Most bird baths are too deep for hummingbirds, however this solar-powered model with a fountain from Lowe's allows hummers to spritz their feathers under the spray. Placing large stones and rocks in the bowl can also provide a place for them to perch.
5. Keep Feeders Clean And Appropriately Positioned
Continue to thoroughly empty and clean your hummingbird feeder before refilling it, for two weeks after your last sighting. This can provide a vital energy source to any "stragglers" that may pass through or visit your yard.
'There is a common myth that hummingbirds will not migrate if you leave your hummingbird feeder out, but in a way the opposite is true,' says Alice. 'Hummingbirds want to feel well-fed with a healthy fat reserve before they take on the arduous, energy-draining journey to their wintering grounds.
'They migrate when their instincts say the time is right based on a variety of factors that include day length, weather, and fat reserves.'
Clean, fresh feeders in your yard can be a life-saving resource for late-season migrants who encounter dwindling nectar sources.
'You become an important rest stop, providing the energy hummingbirds need to make the next leg of their journey,' says Alice. 'If you live in the west, you may have backyard hummingbirds year-round. If so, leave your feeders up.'
Even in cold weather a feeder should be refilled with fresh nectar at least once per week. 'Old nectar can contain contaminants that can harm hummingbirds,' continues Alice.
'Bring your feeders in at night if you have freezing temperatures, but make sure to put them out at first light so hummingbirds can eat as soon as they wake up.
'Alternatively you can use a heated feeder such as Hummers Heated Delight or an insulated feeder such as Anna’s Healthy Hummingbird feeder.'
To help prevent window strikes and attacks from predators, place feeders at least 25 feet from windows and at least 4 feet off the ground.
'Higher is better,' says Alice. 'Feeders should be near a sheltering tree but not too close to a shrub or landscape feature where a predator can hide.'
This Metal Nectar Feeder from Ace Hardware is easy to hang and has four ports.
6. Tweak The Nectar Formula
Many people who want to attract hummingbirds make their own simple sugar solution to pour into feeders. However, when temperatures dip the recipe can be adjusted.
'The usual formula of 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water mimics the average sucrose concentration found in natural flowers,' explains Alice.
'In cold weather some people change the ratio to 1 part sugar and 3 parts water. This provides a higher concentration of energy and is a little more resistant to freezing than the 4 to 1 ratio.
'However, this ratio is not recommended for summer months, when it will ferment and spoil faster.'
The advice to never use brown sugar, honey, raw sugar, dyes or any artificial sweeteners in a feeding solution still applies, as they may contain ingredients or contaminants that can sicken a hummingbird.
7. Make Windows Visible And Keep Cats Indoors
Sadly, according to ornithologists, the two biggest killers of all birds in the U.S., including hummingbirds, are windows and cats. The good news is that some small actions on our part, can make a huge difference to the survival of hummers and other feathered friends.
'Window strikes and cats kill billions of birds every year,' says Alice. 'As tired birds unfamiliar with your yard arrive, the likelihood of window strikes increases.
'To prevent this, make your windows visible to birds by putting screens on the outside or adhering decals designed to alert birds.'
Exterior shutters, paned glass and anything that can break up the reflection of large expanses of sky and trees can help. 'Feather-Friendly and other companies offer removable decals designed to avert window strikes' says Alice. 'The decals should be spaced no more than two inches apart horizontally and four inches apart vertically.
'Keeping cats indoors is also one of the most important things you can do to keep birds, and your cat, safe,' adds Alice.
This Feather-Friendly bird collision tape from Etsy is easy to apply and can help to prevent window strikes.
These simple steps can offer a life-saving energy boost to a weary hummer on the wing. And remember, they love purple fall flowers too. So even if you think you have seen the last of these tiny travellers in the regions mentioned, continue the care for a little longer with the tweaks above and you can help sustain a new generation – you may even be rewarded with a sighting.
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