The annual return of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird to Wisconsin is an exciting sign of spring, signaling the arrival of the state’s sole nesting species. These tiny marvels complete an arduous migration from Central America and Mexico, relying on energy reserves for their long journey north. Providing a reliable source of high-energy nectar through a feeder is a direct way to support these birds, but correct timing is paramount to ensure they find the necessary fuel upon arrival.
Understanding Spring Migration and Feeder Placement
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the first to arrive, typically reach Southern Wisconsin in late April, with the rest of the state seeing arrivals into early May. Place your feeders outside about one week before these projected dates, generally aiming for April 20th to April 25th in southern regions. Putting the feeder out slightly early is beneficial because these birds are often exhausted and critically need to replenish their energy stores.
Feeder placement should also align with the first appearance of native flowering plants. Though the birds primarily rely on insects for protein, nectar provides the simple sugars needed to power their fast metabolism. Having a feeder ready ensures a supplemental food source is available, especially if a late cold snap delays the blooming of natural nectar sources.
Essential Nectar Recipe and Feeder Location
The nectar you provide must replicate the composition of natural flower nectar to be both appealing and safe. The recommended mixture is a ratio of one part white, granulated table sugar to four parts water. This 1:4 sugar-to-water solution closely mimics the sugar concentration found in the flowers they naturally feed from.
Avoid using food coloring, as the dyes offer no nutritional value and may contain substances harmful to the birds. Similarly, honey or artificial sweeteners must not be used; honey can promote dangerous fungal growth, and artificial sweeteners provide no usable calories for their metabolism. Once prepared, the feeder location needs careful consideration to maximize visibility and security.
Placing the feeder away from direct sunlight will help slow the fermentation of the sugar water, keeping the nectar fresh longer. It should be positioned near natural cover, such as trees or shrubs, which offer the hummingbirds a safe place to perch and observe their surroundings while reducing vulnerability to predators. The feeder should be clearly visible but not completely exposed.
Feeder Maintenance and Fall Removal Timing
Maintaining feeder hygiene is extremely important for the health of visiting hummingbirds. In warmer weather, typically when temperatures exceed 75°F, the sugar water spoils rapidly and should be changed every two to three days. During cooler spring and fall periods, you can extend the change frequency to about six to seven days, but always replace the nectar if it appears cloudy or shows signs of mold.
When cleaning, use hot tap water and a bottle brush to scrub the feeder thoroughly, occasionally using a mild vinegar solution to remove residue. Leaving feeders out too long will not prevent a hummingbird’s migration. Their migratory urge is an innate, genetically programmed response triggered by the changing length of daylight, not by local food availability.
You should keep your feeders filled well into the fall to support southbound migration traffic. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will have departed by mid-September, but leaving the feeder up until at least mid-October is recommended. This ensures that late-season stragglers and any rare, late-migrating species passing through Wisconsin, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, have a reliable source of energy for their continuing journey.