This question was asked by a visitor. The answer to this question depends on where you live.
But, Wherever You are, Hummingbird Feeders Should Go Out Early!
It is always a good idea to hang your Hummingbird Feeders a couple of weeks earlier than you expect the Hummers to return.
Hummingbirds return to the location of feeders that they have used in previous years.
I have experienced their return before I had my feeders out and was alerted to their arrival by their swooping past my kitchen window repeatedly as if to say:
“Hey, we’re back but you are obviously not
ready!”
When spring is early it is a good idea to hang your feeders out even earlier. Of course, exactly when it depends on where you are located.
Some years they can be a good 2 weeks earlier than most years, so being ahead of the little birds by preparing early is key.
Hummingbird Feeder, When Should It Go Out?
When Is the Right Time to Feed Hummingbirds?
If you are not sure when your Hummers are due to arrive back, keep track of their progress with the spring migration maps that track Hummingbirds return north each year.
This will assist you in getting your feeders out in time for their return. You will be
able to determine from watching their progress when would be a good time
to get your feeders prepared.
It’s best to start watching the map in February every year which will help you see how far they travel
in a week to determine how early to hang your feeder outside.
You can also look at earlier years and decide a likely date from that data too.
You may even decide to report the date when you first see them at your own feeders which will help others farther north from you!
Hummingbird Migration Map
Follow various types of Hummingbird spring migration at
If you would like more information about Hummers migration you will find it here: Migration Route of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird
When Hanging Your Hummingbird Feeders Early?
When you hang your feeders out early it is very important to keep the syrup fresh by cleaning your hummingbird feeders and changing the syrup, even though you may not have Hummingbirds feeding at them yet.
If the syrup is allowed to hang in the sun, even though the temperatures outside may not be high, the syrup could become rancid and make your wild birds sick.
So change your syrup twice a week until they return. Then increase the frequency to every second day and when it is very hot, every day.
Then everyone will enjoy this wonderful pastime more.
Happy birding!
Judy
Get new supplies for feeding Hummingbirds here.
Best Nectar Feeders & Accessories
- ATTRACTIVE GARDEN DESIGN: High quality nectar glass container in nice shape, 6 flower shaped feeding ports, 16 oz. capacity with 6...
- EASY TO REFILL AND CLEAN: Super Wide mouth bottle design is easy for filling and cleanning, and whole feeder could be disassembled...
- LEAKPROOF FUNCTION: Bulid-in durable gasket, unique design makes base connection proper and seamless. After filling the container...
- NECTAR CAPACITY: Holds 10 fluid ounces of hummingbird nectar
- FEEDING PORTS: Features four flower-shaped feeding ports to accommodate multiple hummingbirds
- ANT MOAT: Built-in ant moat stops ants in their tracks preventing them from reaching the precious nectar
- Accommodate Multiple Birds – This feeder boasts four flower-shaped feeding ports with comfortable perches so multiple birds can...
- Built-in ant moat can be filled with water to create a barrier against ants
- Wide-Mouth Bottle – No more messes and no more spills, the wide-mouth bottle makes filling easier, resulting in fewer spills as...
- 【Innovative Wind Chimes Feeder】A creative blend of windchimes and humming birds feeders for outside, providing multiple...
- 【Hassle-Free Hanging & Moving】Lightweight and sturdy, this enchanting wind chime humming bird feeder is a breeze to hang and...
- 【Simple Cleaning & Refilling】Easily hand-wash or place in the dishwasher for a thorough clean. The feeder's mesmerizing colors...
- ATTRACTIVE FEEDER: (Set of 2) 10 ounces of nectar in this glass feeder attract multitudes of hummingbirds to your backyard. 7...
- LEAKPROOF RESERVOIR: The mouth of the reservoir tightly screws onto the base, effectively sealing the bird feeder. After filling...
- ANT GUARD FOR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS: An ant moat is attached to the top of the feeder. Fill it with water and drive away any...
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Hummingbird Feeder Accessories
- Replacement bee guards
- For Perky-Pet models numbered 203CPBN, 203CPBR, 204CP-4, and 403CP
- 4 bee guards per pack
- Fits for hummingbird feeder with ca. 0.23" -0.27" holes. It is a great replacement flowers for hummingbird feeder. NOTE: kindly...
- With bright color, look like real flowers, refresh your feeder. Compared to white color, yellow color is easier to attract the...
- Unique design. The design of artificial flowers is very suitable for hummingbirds. The design of small holes can keep dust and...
- 【Size】Fits for hummingbird feeder with 0.236" -0.275" holes. It is a great replacement flowers for hummingbird feeder, you no...
- 【Look like real flowers】Bright color, refresh your feeder. Compared to white color, color is easier to attract the attention...
- 【Unique design】The design of artificial flowers is very suitable for hummingbirds. The design of small holes can keep dust and...
- [Scope of application]:The hummingbird feeder parts are designed to fit a hole diameter of 0.69-0.73CM. Please measure the hole...
- [MATERIAL]: The replacement flowers for hummingbird feeders are made of high-quality plastic, durable, not easy to age, suitable...
- [DESIGN]: The design concept of simulated flowers can attract hummingbirds, which is very suitable for hummingbirds' beaks. It can...
- Large Capacity: Each moat cup measures 3.94 inch / 100 mm in diameter, capacity up to 5 oz, even big ants can keep out.
- Clear Cup: It is transparent enough to give a visual on the water level.
- Red Umbrella Design: The bright red color and umbrella design moat will be a delightful addition to your garden.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Your Hummingbirds will love these!
Just place them in your existing birdbath and plug them in.
They come with their own pump.
About Habitat & Behaviour
- Hummingbird Mating is truly a joy to witness! Their flaming gorgets which attract mates also wins our hearts.
- Take the Hummingbirds Quiz and test your knowledge of the smallest avian member of the animal kingdom.
Hummingbird FAQ’s
- Hummingbirds Don’t Like Food What Can We Do, Our Hummingbirds Don’t Like Our Food?
We have been feeding the hummers all spring and summer with homemade nectar
- What is Drinking My Hummingbird Nectar at Night? There are many possibilities, but 2 culprits are most common
- Do hummingbirds return to the same place every year?
Hummingbirds return to the same place every year because hummingbird migration is a complex process involving multiple factors including food, weather, and geography.
- Where is the best place to put a hummingbird feeder?
Allow the hummingbirds to feed in the comfort of your own backyard by placing a feeder in a protected area that allows for easy access to the feeder. For information on where to hang your hummingbird feeder, you can check out our detailed article here.
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