The anticipation of spring migration brings many Kansans the desire to host hummingbirds. Successfully attracting these visitors depends on preparing your feeding station to align with their seasonal migratory schedule. Timing the placement of your feeder is a delicate balance; putting it out too late means missing the first arrivals, while putting it out too early requires unnecessary maintenance.
The Critical Timing for Spring Arrival
The primary species that passes through or breeds in Kansas is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, arriving after an arduous journey from wintering grounds in Central America. These tiny travelers follow a northward path that brings them into the southern parts of the state first. It is recommended to have feeders deployed in southern Kansas by late March or early April.
For areas further north, including the Kansas City region and the northern tier of counties, the safest window for feeder placement is typically mid-April. Since the exact arrival date can fluctuate yearly based on weather and climate, it is better to have the nectar ready slightly ahead of time. Having a clean, filled feeder waiting ensures that the first exhausted males, who arrive ahead of the main wave, find sustenance immediately.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration in Kansas
The timing of feeder placement is dictated by the hummingbird’s instinctual drive to migrate, a process triggered by changes in day length. Upon arrival, these birds, particularly the males, are focused on establishing territories and finding a reliable fuel source. The initial arrivals, often called “scout birds,” are typically the first to check out resources in an area.
While your feeder offers a highly concentrated energy source, the hummingbirds primarily rely on natural food sources, such as early spring blossoms and small insects. The sugar water acts as an important supplemental high-energy boost, especially when early spring weather is cold or natural nectar sources are not yet fully available. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that enter the state will move on to breed further north, though a significant population remains in the eastern half of Kansas for the summer season.
Essential Feeder Maintenance and Placement
Hummingbird nectar must be made using a precise ratio of one part refined white granulated sugar to four parts water. This mixture closely mimics the sucrose concentration found in natural flower nectar. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these ingredients can be detrimental to the birds’ health. Do not add red dye to the mixture; the red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract the birds, and food coloring is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Feeder cleanliness is paramount to prevent the growth of mold and harmful fungi. In the spring and fall, clean and refill your feeder at least twice a week. During the heat of a Kansas summer, this frequency must increase to every two to three days. To clean, use hot water and a bottle brush, and occasionally a weak vinegar solution, ensuring a thorough rinse before refilling.
Optimal placement involves hanging the feeder in a location that offers partial shade to slow the nectar’s fermentation. Placing it near protective cover, such as trees or shrubs, provides the hummingbirds with a safe place to perch and rest. Position the feeder a few feet away from windows to prevent dangerous collisions.
Knowing When to Remove Feeders in the Fall
As the days shorten, the hummingbirds’ internal clock signals the start of their southward migration, a process that begins with the departure of adult males in late summer. Females and young birds follow in waves through September and into the fall. Providing nectar during this period is beneficial, as it offers much-needed fuel for their long journey.
A common misconception is that leaving a feeder up too long will prevent the birds from migrating, but this is incorrect; their departure is driven by light cycles, not food availability. A general guideline for Kansas is to keep feeders clean and filled until at least late October. It is best to remove your feeders only after you have gone one to two weeks without a single hummingbird sighting.