Nectar draining from Ohio feeder, not leaks. (1 Viewer)

[Spiker]

Hello all, I couldn't locate something specific to my area on this situation so I'm hoping somebody might have insight. All of a sudden my hummingbird feeders are draining overnight. I know in some areas of the United States that bats can do that, but from what I've read that's not northeastern Ohio. I have never had this problem before and I have feeders that I have never had leak.

That being said, if my feeders are low and near my deck railing they have been emptied by what I assume are coons getting on the railing and tipping them. But the ones that I am now finding drained are on extended hooks up high that have never drained before. Now they are empty every morning. I don't think raccoons because it's also next to my Baltimore Oriole feeders with fresh oranges and they're not touching those Plus they would have broken the hooks attempting to get out onto them.

So what are your thoughts? Do I have extremely lightweight, nimble raccoons that don't like oranges or is there something else I'm missing?

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

I'm sorry I can't help, but hopefully somebody will be able to shed some light soon.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group.

Having said that, my first thought was bats but you have ruled them out. Raccoons would be my 2nd guess, after that I am at a loss like you are. If you or someone you know has a trail camera or motion sensor camera that could be set up near the area that might help you catch the culprit.

 

[Spiker]

Hi, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group.

Having said that, my first thought was bats but you have ruled them out. Raccoons would be my 2nd guess, after that I am at a loss like you are. If you or someone you know has a trail camera or motion sensor camera that could be set up near the area that might help you catch the culprit.

That's a good idea. Hadn't thought about a camera.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

I've had feeders drained overnight, and discovered it was bats coming by and sloshing the feeder to get at the nectar. I'm in SE AZ so may have more bats than you.