Throughout most portions of the state, the numbers of ruby-throated hummingbirds visiting backyard feeders peaked a couple of weeks ago.  Although most of us are still hosting lots of hummers, it is obvious that these beautiful birds will not be with us much longer.  That begs the question, “When will the last of the rubythroats abandon our feeders?”  Here is the answer.

       We will continue to see good numbers of rubythroats for the next few weeks. The vast majority of these birds will be adult females and immature males and females. 

       By the end of the month, many folks will have seen their last ruby-throated hummingbird of the year.  However, some will still be seen during the month of October.

       If you see a hummingbird from November through the end of February, chances are it will not be a rubythroat.

       A very small number of ruby-throated hummingbirds do winter in the Peach state each year, but they are very uncommon.  In fact, the most common hummingbird seen during the winter in Georgia is the rufous hummingbird.

       With that in mind, keep at least of your feeders stocked with food throughout the year.  Late migrants will benefit from a readily available source of food as they wing their way south ahead of winter.  In addition, your feeders might be used by a wintering rubythroat or even attract one of the western hummingbirds that visit our state in winter.