When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in the Spring

2024-02-12
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in the Spring

Pinpointing the best time to put out hummingbird feeders in spring will help you prepare for the arrival of hummers as they migrate north. In most areas throughout North America, hummingbirds head south in autumn, spend their winters in Mexico or Central America, and only head north again when the weather warms. When hummingbirds return depends mainly on where you live and the types of hummingbirds that frequent your garden. Here's what you need to know to put your feeders out at the right time to attract these colorful pollinators and encourage them to stick around your garden during the growing season.

Why to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Spring

Hummingbirds start migrating north when days begin to lengthen and the sunlight reaches a certain angle. This northern migration generally aligns with the bloom times of spring flowers. When their arrival doesn't align with blooming flowers, hummingbirds can find themselves without reliable food sources unless they encounter a well-placed nectar feeder along the way.

Hummers sometimes arrive in northern gardens earlier than expected, or they may arrive after spring flowers fade—a circumstance becoming increasingly common due to changing climate patterns.

Having nectar feeders out in time for the return of hummingbirds gives hummers much-needed food after their long journey and encourages them to stay in your garden through the coming months. They might not return to gardens that don’t have any flowers or feeders available when they arrive in spring.

Best Time to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders

In areas where hummingbirds migrate south during the winter, it’s best to place hummingbird feeders outdoors about two weeks before hummingbirds are expected to return. This guarantees that any early arrivals have something tasty to eat after their long migration. Male hummingbirds often leave a week or two before female hummingbirds and arrive at destinations a little earlier.

  • In the Southeastern U.S., it’s best to place hummingbird feeders outside in February or March.
  • Hummingbirds arrive a bit later in the Midwest and Northeastern U.S. and Canada. If you live in these areas, place feeders outdoors in mid-to-late April.
  • In many areas of the Southwest, West Coast, and Gulf Coast, certain species of hummingbirds are active year-round, and gardeners can leave feeders up all year in these locations. If frost is expected, bring the feeders indoors at night and place them back outside when the temperature warms.

Tips for Using Hummingbird Feeders

Putting hummingbird feeders outside at the right time is one way to make your garden more enticing to hummers, but if you want to see more hummingbirds and create a pollinator-safe habitat, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Use less nectar in spring.

There aren’t as many hummingbirds early in the year, so you don’t need to fill up your feeders completely. To prevent nectar waste, fill feeders a third of the way up with nectar and add additional nectar as more hummingbirds arrive.

2. Clean feeders regularly.

Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned out twice a week in hot weather and once a week when temperatures are cool. Clean the feeders with hot water, a hummingbird feeder brush, and a diluted vinegar solution (one part vinegar, two parts water). Don’t use soaps or bleach, as these products may harm hummers.

3. Skip red dyes.

Nectar made with synthetic red dye isn’t good for hummingbirds and isn’t necessary if you’re already using a red hummingbird feeder. Instead, select clear hummingbird nectar or make your own hummingbird food with water and refined white sugar.

4. Hang feeders in shade.

Hummingbird feeders can be breeding grounds for bacteria if they’re not cleaned regularly. Hanging feeders in light shade prevents the nectar from spoiling as rapidly, although nectar should be replaced every three to five days.

5. Protect feeders from pests.

Ants and bees can be problematic around hummingbird feeders, but you can keep them away by using an ant moat or distract them by filling a nearby saucer with sugar water. Don’t use petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly, on hummingbird feeders to deter pests; these products can also harm hummers.

6. Space feeders out.

If you use multiple hummingbird feeders in your garden, space feeders at least 10 feet away from each other. Male hummingbirds are territorial and fight off other males if they see them.

7. Grow native plants.

As useful as hummingbird feeders are, they work best when used in conjunction with nectar-rich plants. Native plants, like cardinal flowers, bee balm, and columbines, are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, and they add lots of color to flower beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do hummingbirds come back to the same place every year?

    Hummingbirds often revisit the same gardens and feeders year after year as long as those gardens provide the resources they need. Keeping spring feeders filled with fresh nectar is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll see hummingbirds in your garden for seasons to come.

  • How do Anna’s hummingbirds survive the winter?

    Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast, and they’re often spotted at feeders in winter. These hardy birds enter a state of torpor in cold weather, which slows down their heart rate and breathing and allows them to withstand chilly temperatures. 

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.