The arrival of hummingbirds each spring is an eagerly anticipated event. These long-distance migrants travel thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico to their summer breeding territories. Because their journey is demanding, having a reliable source of energy ready upon their arrival is important for their survival. Proper timing for placing a feeder provides immediate support to these exhausted travelers, ensuring a welcoming stopover for the first birds returning to your yard.
Timing the Spring Arrival
The decision of when to place a hummingbird feeder in the spring should be based on anticipating the arrival of the first scout birds. Male hummingbirds typically migrate north a week or two ahead of the females to establish their territories, and these early travelers are often the most exhausted and in need of immediate fuel.
To ensure food availability for these pioneers, hang your feeder approximately one to two weeks before the historical or expected peak arrival date in your specific area. This proactive approach guarantees that a high-energy nectar source is available for any early or weather-delayed migrants. You can track their northward movement by consulting online migration maps and citizen science sighting tools, which provide real-time data on their progress across the continent.
Regional Differences in Feeder Placement
The timing for setting out feeders varies significantly across North America. In the Deep South and along the Gulf Coast, where migration routes first enter the United States, feeders should be in place as early as mid-February to early March for the first wave of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Moving north into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, arrival dates shift later, requiring feeders to be ready by early to mid-April. Residents in the Northeast, the upper Midwest, and southern Canada should plan to have their feeders accessible by late April or the beginning of May. The cooler temperatures and later spring bloom in these northern latitudes delay the birds’ arrival.
The Western United States hosts several species, including the Rufous and Black-chinned hummingbirds, with varied schedules. Feeders in the Desert Southwest are typically needed by March, while the Pacific Northwest often sees its first arrivals in mid-April. Specific mild coastal areas, such as parts of California, Texas, and Florida, host non-migratory populations, making year-round feeder maintenance appropriate in those locations.
Determining When to Remove Feeders
Once the breeding season concludes, timing considerations shift to the fall migration south. The recommendation is to keep feeders full and clean for one to two weeks after you observe the last hummingbird of the season. This extended period provides a safety net for any late-traveling individuals or stragglers who might pass through your area needing a final energy boost.
A common misconception is that leaving feeders up too long will cause hummingbirds to delay their migration. Scientific evidence confirms this is not the case, as migration is triggered by the shortening of daylight hours, a process known as photoperiodism, along with hormonal changes. Food availability does not override this biological process. Providing nectar into the late fall does no harm and allows them to build the fat reserves required for their long flight south.
Preparation and Initial Setup
Before a feeder is hung for the season, ensure it is safe and ready for its first visitors. If the feeder has been in storage, it must be thoroughly disassembled and cleaned to remove any residue. A mixture of hot water and a brush is sufficient for this initial deep cleaning.
The nectar solution should be prepared using a ratio of one part refined white cane sugar to four parts clean water. This concentration closely mimics the natural sugar content found in flower nectar, providing the necessary energy without being overly concentrated. The feeder should be placed away from direct sunlight to prevent the nectar from spoiling quickly and far enough from windows to minimize the risk of collision.