The arrival of hummingbirds each spring signals the start of the warmer season. The primary species that travels to Illinois is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which journeys thousands of miles from its wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. Attracting these birds requires precise timing to ensure a food source is available immediately upon their arrival. Placing feeders out too late means missing the first wave of migrants, while putting them out too early can lead to unnecessary maintenance.
Spring Arrival Timing in Illinois
The timing for placing hummingbird feeders is determined by the annual northward migration, which is influenced by latitude across the state. In Southern Illinois, the earliest arrivals are often sighted around the middle of April. Moving further north into Central Illinois, the expected arrival date generally shifts to around May 1st.
It is recommended to hang feeders one to two weeks before these expected arrival dates to ensure migrants encounter a reliable energy source. This buffer is important because the first birds to arrive are typically adult males, who precede the females to establish breeding territories. These initial travelers are often depleted after their long journey, which sometimes includes an 18-hour non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
Having the feeder ready by April 15th is a proactive approach for most parts of the state, even if the peak arrival is closer to May. Observers can fine-tune their timing by monitoring online resources like eBird, where citizen scientists upload local sightings. Tracking the migration path as it crosses neighboring southern states provides a more accurate indication of when to expect the first Ruby-throats in your specific area.
Preparing Nectar and Feeder Placement
The preparation of the sugar-water solution, known as artificial nectar, is fundamental to the health of the visiting hummingbirds. The established recipe is a simple mixture of four parts water to one part refined white granulated sugar. This ratio closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar.
Avoid adding any red dye or food coloring to the solution, as these additives offer no benefit and could potentially be harmful. While boiling the water is not strictly necessary, heating the mixture until the sugar is fully incorporated helps sterilize the solution and prolong its freshness. The nectar must be completely cooled to room temperature before it is poured into the feeder and placed outside.
Optimal placement maximizes the feeder’s visibility to passing migrants while providing shelter. Feeders should be hung in a conspicuous location, ideally near trees or shrubs that offer perching spots and protection from predators. Choose a site that receives morning sun but is shaded during the hottest parts of the afternoon. Direct sunlight can cause the sugar solution to ferment and spoil quickly. Starting with a thoroughly cleaned feeder is also necessary to prevent the introduction of mold or bacteria to the fresh nectar.
Maintenance and Fall Removal Guidelines
Maintaining the feeder with strict hygiene is necessary throughout the season to prevent mold growth or fermentation of the sugar solution. In Illinois’s spring and summer temperatures, the nectar should be replaced and the feeder cleaned every three to five days. During intense heat, this cleaning cycle may need to be shortened to every two days.
The cleaning process requires scrubbing with hot water and a bottle brush, avoiding harsh soaps or detergents that can leave harmful residues. A diluted vinegar solution can be used periodically to sanitize the feeder, followed by a complete rinsing. This regular maintenance ensures the hummingbirds consume only fresh nectar.
Keep feeders operational until at least the end of September or the first week of October. This extended period ensures that late-migrating individuals have access to a reliable energy source for their journey south. Leaving a feeder up will not prevent hummingbirds from migrating, as their instinct is triggered by decreasing day length, not food availability. Therefore, feeders should remain out for approximately two weeks after the last hummingbird sighting to assist any final stragglers.