Missing the arrival of the first hummingbirds in spring isn’t just disappointing—it can cost you a full season of visitors. These tiny migrants cover thousands of miles on remarkably strict schedules, and if your feeder isn’t ready when they arrive, they’ll simply move on to a neighbor’s yard that is. Getting the timing right means understanding migration patterns, trusting your calendar over the thermometer, and being ready before you think you need to be.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
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Check PriceHummingbirds arrive in spring when natural food sources are still scarce. Early flowers may not have bloomed yet, and insects—another crucial protein source—haven’t fully emerged. Those first scouts depend heavily on feeders to refuel after their grueling migration. If they find your yard empty, they won’t wait around. Hummingbirds establish feeding territories quickly, and once they’ve claimed a reliable food source elsewhere, they’re unlikely to add your yard to their rotation.
This early window is especially critical because hummingbirds have excellent spatial memory. They often return to the same yards year after year, remembering which locations provided consistent food. Miss them during their initial scouting phase, and you might not see them again until next spring—even if you put a feeder out later in the season. The birds that do find your setup early will defend it, visit regularly, and even bring their young once breeding season begins.
The Regional Migration Timeline: Know When Hummingbirds Reach Your Area
Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the most widespread species east of the Rockies, follow a predictable northward progression each spring. Understanding this timeline helps you calculate your ideal feeder-out date based on where you live.
Gulf Coast states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida): Hummingbirds begin arriving in late February through mid-March. Feeders should be out by late February at the latest.
Southern states (Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee): Expect arrivals from mid-March through early April. Have feeders ready by early March.
Mid-Atlantic and lower Midwest (North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri): Birds typically arrive in early to mid-April. Put feeders out by late March.
Northeast and upper Midwest (New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin): Hummingbirds reach these areas from late April through early May. Feeders should be out by mid-April.
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Northern states and Canada (Maine, Minnesota, Ontario): Late May is peak arrival time. Have feeders ready by early May.
In the western United States, timing varies significantly by elevation and species. Anna’s hummingbirds remain year-round in many Pacific Coast areas, while rufous hummingbirds begin their northward migration through the West in March and April. Check with local Audubon chapters or regional birding groups for species-specific timelines in your area.
Set Up Early, Not When the Weather Turns Warm
One of the most common mistakes backyard birders make is waiting for consistently warm weather before putting out feeders. Hummingbirds don’t migrate based on your local temperature—they follow internal clocks and photoperiod cues that trigger movement regardless of late-season cold snaps.
A chilly morning in early April won’t stop ruby-throats from reaching Virginia, and a late frost in May won’t delay their arrival in Minnesota. In fact, early migrants often face challenging weather conditions, which makes the availability of feeders even more crucial. Your nectar becomes a lifeline during unexpected cold spells when insects are inactive and flower nectar production slows.
The rule of thumb is simple: put your feeder out two weeks before you expect hummingbirds to arrive in your region. This buffer ensures you don’t miss those early scouts who may arrive ahead of schedule. In the Southeast, that means feeders should be out by early March even if you’re still experiencing cool mornings. In the Northeast, aim for mid-April regardless of lingering snow.
Don’t worry about nectar freezing on cold nights—simply bring the feeder in after dark and put it back out at first light. Hummingbirds feed most actively at dawn and dusk, so having fresh nectar available during these peak times matters more than 24-hour access during the coldest weeks.
Turn One Feeder Into a Hummingbird Haven
Starting with a single, well-maintained feeder is perfectly adequate for attracting your first hummingbirds. Choose a basic model with red accents (which naturally attract hummingbirds), easy-to-clean parts, and a capacity appropriate for early spring when bird numbers are low. An 8-ounce feeder prevents waste while you’re only hosting a few visitors.
Place your feeder in a visible location with some nearby perching spots—hummingbirds like to rest between feeding sessions. Partial shade helps keep nectar fresh longer, and positioning it near a window lets you enjoy watching your visitors while making refills convenient.
Make your own nectar using a simple 4:1 ratio—four parts water to one part white granulated sugar. Boil the water, dissolve the sugar completely, then cool before filling your feeder. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye. Change nectar every 3-5 days in cool weather, every 1-2 days once temperatures climb above 70°F.
Once hummingbirds discover your feeder and begin visiting regularly, consider adding a second feeder in a different location. Multiple feeding stations reduce territorial conflicts and accommodate more birds. Space feeders far enough apart that one aggressive male can’t defend them all simultaneously.
Extend your hummingbird season by adding native plants that provide natural nectar sources. Cardinal flower, bee balm, trumpet vine, and columbine are excellent choices for eastern gardens. These plantings keep birds in your yard longer and support them when you eventually take feeders down in fall. A combination of feeders and flowering natives creates the most attractive, sustainable habitat—transforming a single feeder into a genuine hummingbird haven that brings these remarkable migrants back year after year.
Happy birding!