My neighbor said to stop filling my feeders in spring, but I'm glad I didn't listen

Last March, my next door neighbor told me I should take my tube feeders down because 'the birds don't need you in the warmer months.' I kept them up anyway. Over the next month, I logged over 20 visits from migrating rose-breasted grosbeaks that stopped specifically at my yard for a snack on their way north. They never touched the natural stuff in his yard. I think supplemental food helps during migration stress, not just winter. Has anyone else seen more migrants by keeping feeders going year-round?

2 comments

2 Comments

ninasingh24d ago

I always took my feeders down in April because I heard the same advice. Last spring I was too busy and left one up, and we had a pair of scarlet tanagers stay for three days during a cold snap. They looked exhausted. What other migrating birds have you seen stop by?

aaron84524d ago

My neighbor saw a rose-breasted grosbeak refuel at his feeder last May.