Hello -

This is in response to the recent query about the hummingbird at a feeder. There is no reason to be concerned about birds that are still visiting feeders. The birds will migrate when they are ready, and nothing we do is likely to change that. It is true that capture and transportation is not an alternative; plainly speaking, it's illegal under Federal law. Birds that are in migration will seek sources of nutrition, and a feeder can be part of that picture. If we were thinking that we should take down our feeders so as to not delay migration, then by extension we would have to cut down all the late-blooming flowers as well. In fact, a feeder may be an important 'rest stop' for a migrant at this time of the year, and in early Spring as well.

I would be happy to answer any additional questions on this topic, either on- or off-list at the discretion of the moderator. I'm a Federally-licensed bird bander with state permits for MA, ME, NH and VT and I'm especially interested in hearing about hummingbird sightings in our region after October 1.

Here's an excellent source of information about hummingbirds in New England: http://www.nehummers.com/index.htm

Anthony Hill
S. Hadley, MA

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