When to shut down the feeders?

[Andreas Jonsson]

Hi, as spring is approaching I was wondering when the experienced feeder folks around here would recommend that it is safe take down the feeders. Thanks.

[Brian Bailey]

I keep my niger feeder up all year.  I often leave the sunflower seed feeder up well into April (or whenever the last bag is used up).  I find it can attract some interesting early spring migrants. It's also quite comical to watch Redwinged Blackbirds try to eat from a tube feeder.

BB

[Axeman]

When you find bear tracks...

[Rob'in'To]

I leave mine up all year round.  A couple come down, a couple others go up in the warmer months like some Oriole feeders and Hummingbird feeders.  Most get a good Spring cleaning as they empty out...  one thing I need to be more consistent with is washing them more regularly.  I do toss some out and replace them after the winter though (cracked plastic ones).

[Sahria]

I too leave mine up all year. This summer I'm going to add some fruit and meal worms for the first time. You never know what's going to show up!

[Leslie Kinrys]

I also feed year round. I get to see family groups or different behaviours by feeding through the summer. When the night temps get into double digits, I'll put out my birdbath. That attracts lots of birds, some of whom don't come to my feeders.

[angieinto]

Getting a birdbath was one of the best things we ever did! What a hoot to watch them in that.   :lol:
A bought another one last year, that wasn't as deep, and all the birds seem to like that one better. Now even the smaller birds bathe in it instead of just drinking from it. But watching the Starlings splash around in the big one is still a riot to watch.

[Rob'in'To]

The birdbath brings a local Mockingbird around from time to time for a drink and a splash.

In the Spring I used roasted mealworms for a pair of Robins.  I have a bare patch on the lawn where I place them.  Funny last year, the one Robin would wait at that bare patch if I was late.  I'd go out there and he'd fly a little ways up the tree nearby and as soon as I walk away, he'd be in there feasting...  and soon after his mate would join him.  Too cute.

[Andreas Jonsson]

Thanks for all the responses!