The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the primary species seen in Alabama, and its incredible migration requires reliable energy sources. Timely placement of a feeder is important to provide these tiny travelers with the fuel they need immediately upon arrival. Offering a clean, accessible food source significantly aids individuals completing their long journey from wintering grounds in Central America.
Optimal Timing for Arrival in Alabama
The first wave of male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically reaches the Gulf Coast states, including Southern Alabama, by the middle of March. While a few individuals may arrive in late February, feeder placement should begin around the first week of March. Birds continue to move north, so those in Northern Alabama may see first arrivals slightly later, usually in the latter half of March and into early April. Setting out feeders before these first arrivals is the safest approach to ensure no early travelers are missed.
Tracking the Northward Migration
The exact timing of arrival varies annually, influenced by environmental factors like temperature and the availability of early blooming flowers. Hummingbirds follow a route dictated by instinct and daylight hours, but favorable weather conditions can accelerate their journey northward.
Many observers rely on ornithological tracking databases and citizen science projects that map the northward progress of the hummingbirds. By monitoring these interactive maps, residents can track the wave of birds as they move through Mississippi and Louisiana, giving a localized prediction for their own area in Alabama.
Essential Feeder Setup and Care
The sugar solution must accurately mimic the natural nectar found in flowers to be safe and beneficial. The proper mixture is a ratio of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar, matching the concentration they seek in nature. Use only refined white sugar and avoid all additives, including honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, or red dye. Red dye is unnecessary because most feeders already have red components, and the dye can potentially be harmful.
Feeder maintenance is equally important, as the warm Alabama climate causes the sugar water to spoil quickly. Feeders must be cleaned and refilled every two to three days to prevent fermentation and the growth of black mold, which poses a serious health risk. During periods of extreme heat, daily cleaning and refilling may be required to maintain a fresh, safe food source.
When to Keep Feeders Available
The fall migration begins in late August, but most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds pass through Alabama from September through October as they head south. Feeders should remain available well past the time the last resident bird has been seen, often into late October or the first week of November. This extended availability supports late-migrating individuals and juvenile birds completing their first migratory journey.
A misconception exists that keeping feeders out too late will prevent hummingbirds from migrating, but this is untrue. Migration is triggered by decreasing daylight hours and hormonal changes, not by the presence of a food source. Maintaining the feeders ensures that late stragglers or passing non-resident species have the calories needed to continue their journey.