The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the lone species commonly seen across New York State, making an incredible journey each year to reach its northern breeding grounds. These tiny, iridescent birds rely on consistent food sources after their long migration, meaning timing the placement of your feeder is crucial. Understanding their yearly schedule ensures you are ready to offer sustenance the moment they arrive in the spring.
Determining the Optimal Spring Placement Date in New York
For residents across New York, the optimal time to hang a hummingbird feeder is generally from mid-April to the first week of May. This date range covers the typical arrival window for the first returning males. While the exact day can fluctuate based on local weather, being ready by late April is a reliable benchmark for the entire state.
It is better to place the feeder out slightly early than to risk being late for the first arrivals. Hummingbirds possess remarkable spatial memory; if they find a reliable nectar source upon their return, they will continue to visit that location throughout the season. Delaying feeder placement could cause a newly arrived bird to bypass your yard in search of a more immediate food supply.
Understanding the Ruby-Throated Migration Schedule
The timing of spring feeder placement is based on the northward migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These birds winter in southern Mexico and Central America, and their journey north covers thousands of miles. The first migrants, typically males, arrive along the Gulf Coast in March before continuing up the eastern states.
The main trigger for this flight is the bird’s internal biological clock, influenced by increasing daylight hours, not local temperature. Upon reaching New York, these migrants have expended tremendous energy, making a ready feeder a welcome sight.
Fall Removal Timing and Migration Myths
The southward migration from New York begins as the breeding season concludes, starting with males in late August, followed by females and juveniles in September. Although most birds have departed by mid-September, it is recommended to keep feeders up until at least mid-October. This extended schedule provides a refueling station for late-migrating individuals or stragglers passing through from further north.
A common misconception is that leaving a feeder available in the fall will prevent hummingbirds from migrating south. This is incorrect, as the instinct to migrate is triggered by hormonal changes in response to decreasing daylight hours, not the availability of food. Keeping the feeder accessible ensures late travelers have the energy required for their long journey.
Essential Nectar Preparation and Feeder Hygiene
Preparing the nectar for your feeder is simple, requiring only two ingredients: white granulated sugar and water. The correct ratio is one part sugar dissolved into four parts water. This 4:1 solution closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar, providing the birds with necessary energy.
Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or powdered sugar, as these substances can be harmful. Never add red food coloring to the mixture; the red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract the birds. Due to rising spring and summer temperatures, the nectar should be changed and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every three to five days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.