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When it’s time for them to migrate, they will, regardless of food availability. Don’t worry about feeding them too long.
In the last two weeks, we have had at least eight dozen come through here in west Alabama on their way to Dauphin Island off the gulf coast. From there, they make the flight to Central America in one jump. Really amazing little birds.
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I'm in the Detroit metro area so they've been leaving for a while now. I thought they were gone now as I hadn't seen any in a couple of weeks. Then, surprise! This one shows up!
Last year I recall seeing the last one in early October...
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We have 2 species that over-winter here in Portland, OR. I have a light bulb (with an aluminum cone to direct the heat) hanging underneath one of our feeders that keeps the solution warm when it gets freezing cold overnight. They also just sit on the feeder to keep warm. I bring in the 2 other feeders when it freezes overnight. Only have about 3 birds that hang around our feeders at wintertime. LyleH
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Lyle-you might want to bring in the feeders even before it gets to freezing as, if the first thing they eat is only marginally above freezing, it'll drop their body temp even more. If the solution is room temp when they first feed, they'll warm up much more quickly.