Saratoga Springs, New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Is it true that hummingbirds that visit my feeder will not migrate if I leave my feeder up in the fall?
A:  No.  This is another in a long line of bird myths.  Birds are genetically programmed to migrate when their internal "clocks" tell them to do so.  They will depart when the time is right whether your feeders are up or not.  Leaving your feeders up in fall and getting them up early in spring may help early or late migrants that are passing through your area.

Q:  Should I let my garden go to seed?  It looks messy after everything is done blooming and growing.  I'm torn between having a tidy garden/yard and providing for my birds.

A:  Depending on what plants you have in your garden, it's an excellent idea to "let things go" at the end of the growing season.  Most bird gardeners try to include a mixture of seed-producing plants such as zinnias, sunflowers, coneflowers, and coreopsis that bloom all summer and provide food in fall and winter in the form of seeds.  Native plants are best, of course, but non-invasive non-native plants can also be good for birds.  If you are worried about keeping things tidy, set aside a little-used or secluded corner of your property for the birds.  You may be surprised to find that this is the birdiest spot in your yard in fall and winter.

Goldfinches on coneflower