Birds' migratory instinct is incredibly strong. In the case of most of our migrants, the urge to travel to a winter range is irresistable, even if a good food source in the summer range is available. Your hummingbirds will disappear south, no matter how long you put out nectar. Your yellow-bellied sapsuckers will not stick around for a refill of suet. A good rule of thumb for feeding birds is to be consistent: if you are feeding birds through the winter, try to keep feeding all the way until spring (or at least until the bears wake up). The food you are providing is not "unnatural," but be conscious that you are, in a very deep sense, making yourself a part of Nature, and with that privilege comes responsibility!
Birds' migratory instinct is incredibly strong. In the case of most of our migrants, the urge to travel to a winter range is irresistable, even if a good food source in the summer range is available. Your hummingbirds will disappear south, no matter how long you put out nectar. Your yellow-bellied sapsuckers will not stick around for a refill of suet. A good rule of thumb for feeding birds is to be consistent: if you are feeding birds through the winter, try to keep feeding all the way until spring (or at least until the bears wake up). The food you are providing is not "unnatural," but be conscious that you are, in a very deep sense, making yourself a part of Nature, and with that privilege comes responsibility!