Are you just starting to observe hummingbirds and unsure about when to hang up a feeder?
Great! You’re in the proper location.
One of the nicest seasons of the year for backyard bird watchers is hummingbird season.
The hummingbirds go north over the USA to their nesting habitats in the spring and summer.
You may spend hours enjoying and enjoying yourself by filling your feeders with this delicious homemade sugar water and watching the magnificent hummingbirds.
When to put out hummingbird feeders – Why it’s important
1. Attract Them
They won’t discover your feeder and won’t return back every day if you don’t hang your feeders out at the proper time.
Hummingbirds are more likely to build their nests close to your yard while your feeder is out and operational. They won’t have to travel very far each day in search of food this way. They can conserve energy in this way, which is essential to their existence.
2. Repeat customers
Hummingbirds will frequent your feeder on a daily basis once they discover it.
Better still, though? They’ll keep coming back to your feeding location each year.
So, if you leave your feeder out, the hummingbirds that came this year will come back the following year.
They won’t wait around and will swiftly move on to a more trustworthy source if you don’t have your feeder set up in anticipation of their return. Bear in mind that aggressive hummingbirds at your feeders may drive other hummingbirds away.
3. Survival
When the flowers blossom in the spring can vary depending on the winter months.
That implies that the hummingbirds might show up before your location has a sufficient supply of nectar.
Your hummingbird feeders should be hung early so that they may reach a plentiful food source. That guarantees that the cold weather won’t cause a mass extinction of hummingbirds.
You can learn when to start hanging out your hummingbird feeders by using this information. We’ll discuss the ideal time of year, various states, and how keeping an eye on the weather might be useful.
All right? So let’s go on.
To Save For Later
When to put out a hummingbird feeder
You should hang out your hummingbird feeders two weeks before the birds are expected to arrive for the season as a general rule.
But wait a second. What time do the hummingbirds fly in?
How would you know what day will be 2 weeks prior if you don’t know when the hummingbird season is?
Knowing when hummingbirds will migrate to your area is the key to success.
Sounds simple, no? You’ll need to take a few things into account first, though.
Let’s look at it.
What affects the start of the Hummingbird Season?
The majority of hummingbirds migrate. That implies that they’ll only visit your region sporadically throughout the year.
Hummingbirds occasionally just don’t show up in your area. Filling your feeders in the vain hope that they will show up is a waste of time.
You’ll be able to take down your hummingbird feeders at the appropriate time if you are aware of when they won’t be in your region.
The following elements are crucial in determining when hummingbird season will begin.
Location
When and how frequently you encounter hummingbirds in your yard depends depend on the state in which you reside.
There will be certain hummingbird species all year round in southern and coastal areas.
The hummingbirds will arrive later if your state is further north.
The majority of hummingbirds usually arrive between March and May.
For a more precise prediction of the start of hummingbird season in your state, continue reading.
Climate
Numerous hummingbird species may thrive in a wide range of conditions.
Temperatures rise as the year transitions from winter to spring. This is a strong hint that the hummingbirds are approaching.
An early spring will occur in hotter regions, and it will gradually spread to cooler regions.
Therefore, if you reside in a cooler northern state rather than a hot southern one, you’ll see hummingbirds much later.
Food availability
Hummingbirds all share the trait of finding a lot of flowers and insects wherever they go. They get the energy to catch the insects from the flowers.
The hummingbirds will arrive in the spring as soon as flowers begin to bloom.
As more flowers open and a new, abundant source of nectar and insects becomes accessible to them, they will continue to migrate further north.
Migration patterns
Each hummingbird species migrates according to its own schedule. For each hummingbird species, that rhythm will be determined by hormones and rising sunshine.
Some hummingbirds will go from south to north, but they won’t go to the east or west coasts.
Other hummingbirds will only travel as far south as those states.
In light of this, it’s possible that certain hummingbird species will never migrate to your state.
Be prepared for the hummingbirds that will show up. In Minnesota, don’t look for a Buff-bellied Hummingbird. It would be an extremely unusual sighting if you did.
Hummingbird Season Estimates
Year-Round feeding
Some species of hummingbird don’t head south for the winter.
Thus, residents of some states will enjoy the pleasure of feeding hummingbirds all year long.
You can expect to feed hummingbirds in the following locations all year long:
- Atlantic Ocean
- Texas’s south
- Middle Florida
- Florida’s Gulf Coast
- East-central Arizona
See my article on feeding hummingbirds during the winter.
Other Ways To Predict Hummingbird Season
Hummingbird arrival dates are typically quite consistent. It’s a good idea to keep track of their arrival dates so you can plan ahead for the following year.
But always remember that Mother Nature has a knack of surprising you.
This indicates that the season can begin earlier or later than you anticipate.
Watch out for the following to avoid this:
- blossoming flowers in your area
- Orioles, grosbeaks, or warblers may also be present at your birdfeeders.
- sightings of hummingbirds in your area
When to hang out your hummingbird feeder by state
These are the anticipated arrival dates of hummingbirds in your area.
As a general rule, set out your feeder two weeks beforehand. Get your feeders set up as soon as you can if you notice any indications that the hummingbirds will arrive before these recommendations.
Alabama (AL)
From the second week of March through the middle of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Alabama.
In the final week of February, set out your hummingbird feeders.
Alaska (AK)
From the first week of April until the beginning of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Alaska.
The third week of March is the time to hang out your hummingbird feeders.
Arizona (AZ)
Southeast Arizona has a year-round hummingbird habitat.
Arizona will begin to see migratory hummingbird arrivals in the first week of March through early April.
The second week of February is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders. If you reside in southeast Arizona, keep them up all year long.
Arkansas (AR)
The third week of March through the beginning of April will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Arkansas.
The first week of March is the time to hang out your hummingbird feeders.
California (CA)
California’s coastal region hosts hummingbirds all year round.
The second week of April will see the commencement of the migration of hummingbirds to California.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of March. If you reside near the coast, leave them up all year.
Colorado (CO)
Colorado will begin to see hummingbird migration the second week of April.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of March.
Connecticut (CT)
From the final week of April to the first of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Connecticut.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Delaware (DE)
Delaware will start to see hummingbird migration during the third week of April.
The first week of April is when you should set out your hummingbird feeders.
Florida (FL)
Central and southern Florida are year-round habitats for native hummingbirds.
The first week of March will see the arrival of migratory hummingbirds in Arizona.
The second week of February is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders. If you reside in the south or the middle of the country, keep them up all year.
Georgia (GA)
The third week of March to early April will see the first hummingbird arrivals in Georgia.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Hawaii (HI)
Unfortunately, since hummingbirds are not native to Hawaii, they do not migrate close to Hawaii. Additionally prohibited by state legislation, hummingbirds are not allowed in Hawaii.
If you reside in Hawaii, do not place a hummingbird feeder in your yard.
Idaho (ID)
During the final week of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Idaho.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Illinois (IL)
From the final week of April to the first of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Illinois.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Indiana (IN)
In Indiana, hummingbird migration will begin the first week of April.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Iowa (IA)
From the final week of April to the first of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Iowa.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Kansas (KS)
The second week of April through the beginning of May will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Kansas.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of March.
Kentucky (KY)
Kentucky will begin to see hummingbird migration in the second week of March through early April.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of February.
Louisiana (LA)
From the first week of March until the beginning of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Louisiana.
The second week of February is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Maine (ME)
From the final week of April to the first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Maine.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Maryland (MD)
In the third week of March to the beginning of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Maryland.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Massachusetts (MA)
The final week of April to the first week of May will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Massachusetts.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Michigan (MI)
The first week of May will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Michigan.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Minnesota (MN)
In Minnesota, hummingbird migration will begin the first week of May.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Mississippi (MS)
From the third week of March to the beginning of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Mississippi.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Missouri (MO)
The third week of March to early April will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Missouri.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Montana (MT)
From the final week of April to the first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Montana.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Nebraska (NE)
In the latter week of April to the first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Nebraska.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Nevada (NV)
The first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Nevada.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
New Hampshire (NH)
The first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in New Hampshire.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
New Jersey (NJ)
From the final week of April to the beginning of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in New Jersey.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
New Mexico (NM)
In Louisiana, hummingbird migration will begin the first week of April.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
New York (NY)
From the final week of April to the first of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in New York.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
North Carolina (NC)
From the third week of March to the first of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in North Carolina.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
North Dakota (ND)
In the second week of May, hummingbirds will start to arrive in North Dakota.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of April.
Ohio (OH)
From the final week of April to the first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Ohio.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Oklahoma (OK)
The first week of April will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Oklahoma.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Oregon (OR)
From the second week of March through the middle of April, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Oregon.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of February.
Pennsylvania (PA)
From the first week of April until the beginning of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Pennsylvania.
During the third week of March, place your hummingbird feeders outside.
Rhode Island (RI)
In the third week of April to the beginning of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in Rhode Island.
The first week of April is when you should set out your hummingbird feeders.
South Carolina (SC)
The third week of March to early April will see the first hummingbird arrivals in South Carolina.
The first week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
South Dakota (SD)
In the first week of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in South Dakota.
During the third week of April, place your hummingbird feeders outside.
Tennessee (TN)
In Tennessee, hummingbird migration will begin the first week of April.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Texas (TX)
Southern Texas has a year-round hummingbird habitat.
Texas will begin to receive migratory hummingbirds in the first week of March through early April.
The second week of February is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders. If you reside in South Texas, keep them up all year.
Utah (UT)
The final week of March to the beginning of April will see the first hummingbird arrivals in Utah.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Vermont (VT)
The first week of May will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Vermont.
The second week of April is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Virginia (VA)
Virginia will begin to see hummingbird migration the first week of April.
The second week of March is the time to set out your hummingbird feeders.
Washington (WA)
The second week of March until the middle of April will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Washington.
Place your hummingbird feeders outside during the final week of February.
West Virginia (WV)
In the third week of April to the beginning of May, hummingbirds will begin to arrive in West Virginia.
The first week of April is when you should set out your hummingbird feeders.
Wisconsin (WI)
In Wisconsin, hummingbird migration will begin the first week of May.
During the third week of April, place your hummingbird feeders outside.
Wyoming (WY)
The first week of May will see the arrival of hummingbirds in Wyoming.
During the third week of April, place your hummingbird feeders outside.
When should you put out hummingbird feeders?
The lesson you should take away from this article is that the earlier you set out your hummingbird feeders, the better.
Never set out your feeders before seeing the hummingbirds.
The goal is to have a full feeder when the hummingbirds come. not to bother the few tardy arrivals who have come.
Keep in mind that if your feeders are not ready to go, the hummingbirds that previously ate from them will just move on.
Please let me know in the comment section below if you have any further queries or comments.
FAQ
Is it too early to put up hummingbird feeders?
Late April or early May marks the beginning of hummingbird migration to their northern ranges. The best time to clean, refill, and prepare your hummingbird feeders for thirsty visitors is no later than the first week of May.
What is a hummingbird’s favorite color flower?
Red Hummingbird Flowers
When should I put my hummingbird feeder outside?
The return of fascinating migratory species, including hummingbirds, coincides with the coming of spring. You need to set out hummingbird feeders as the weather warms up over the majority of the nation. These backyard favorites usually travel north by mid- to late-May after arriving in the Gulf Coast in late February or early March.
What flowers do hummingbirds like in Maryland?
White turtlehead, ox eye sunflower, bee balm, jewelweed, blue lobelia, impatiens, horsemint, primrose, sun drop, bear tongue, and hibiscus are just a few of the pollen-rich native blooming plants that are popular in commercial nurseries and attractive to hummers in Maryland.
How do you attract hummingbirds in Maryland?
Hummingbirds might be attracted by planting tubular flowers like Bee balm or Trumpet creeper. The local hummers’ meals will be supplemented by nectar feeders. To create a solution, mix one part sugar with four parts water. Never use honey.