Here’s When You Should Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeder

There are plenty of telltale signs that springtime has arrived: crocuses sprouting, trees budding, and birds chirping, to name a few. As you welcome the return of the latter, you might place bird feeders around your yard. Hummingbirds, in particular, require a special kind of feeder. But when exactly should you put out feeders to attract hummingbirds in the spring? It varies based on where in North America you live, according to experts. Below, they share when exactly you should aim to have yours up.

When to Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeder

Having your feeders up in early- to mid-April in the southern U.S. and by the end of April to early May in the northern U.S. is a solid guideline, says Dan DeBaun, founder of the blog Bird Bites. However, this can vary based on changing climates and weather patterns. In general, hummingbird migration follows the blooming of flowers in springtime.

Another rule of thumb is to put them out one to two weeks before you expect to see them—in other words, one to two weeks before flowers start blooming.

Noah Perlut, an ornithologist and professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England, recommends checking with a few online resources that show when migrating birds are passing through where you live. “Birdcast.info gives detailed predictions on daily bird migration and Audubon has a wonderful tracking tool for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on explorer.audubon.org,” Perlut says.

Hummingbird Feeder Tips

Putting hummingbird feeders in your yard gives the birds an extra boost after their migratory journeys. Ahead, find a few other tips for feeding hummingbirds.

Place the Feeder in an Ideal Spot

You can set up your feeder almost anywhere around your yard, but putting it near other food sources like flowering plants is best, as they spend time eating small insects and nectar there. Perlut recommends placing the feeders in a place where you’ll be able to enjoy them and not forget to clean them regularly.

“Put one near a bird-safe window and you can get close-up views as they perch and feed,” adds Maren Gimpel, associate director of Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Washington College. Just make sure the window doesn’t have indoor plants or other bright objects hanging inside, as that can be dangerous for the birds. Similarly, don’t put them where outdoor cats rest or play, and place them as far away from roads as possible, Perlut says.

If you plan to put out multiple feeders, DeBaun warns of placing them too close together. “This surprises a lot of people, but hummingbirds are actually quite territorial and mean with other hummingbirds,” he says. “So, if you want to have multiple hummingbird feeders in your yard, I’d recommend placing one at the front and one in the backyard. That distance should keep your neighborhood hummingbirds from fighting each other.”

Don’t Forget to Clean the Feeder

It’s crucial to clean the feeder often—ideally every two days during cooler weather, and daily in hot weather. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could leave residue on the feeder. DeBaun typically takes his feeder apart and scrubs it with a clean brush using Dawn dish soap and hot water.

Replace the Nectar Often

When you’re cleaning your feeder, you should also be replacing the nectar at the same time. “The biggest mistake people make is not cleaning their hummingbird feeder and replacing the nectar often enough,” DeBaun says. “This is especially important when it’s hot and humid outside, as the nectar in a feeder will be quick to spoil and mold.”

But Keep Things Simple

To make the nectar for your feeders, just mix four parts water with one part sugar. Keeping it simple is best, according to Perlut. “Store bought nectar is fine, too,” explains Gimpel. “Just avoid the ones with red dye. It’s potentially harmful to the birds—and unnecessary.”