Hummingbirds, with their jewel-like plumage and rapid wingbeats, are a delightful sight in any garden. To attract these charming creatures, many bird lovers put out hummingbird feeders. But timing is crucial, as putting out your feeder either too early or too late could mean missing out on the flurry of hummingbird activity. So, when is the best time of year to put out your hummingbird feeder?

For most North American regions, it is advisable to put hummingbird feeders out in the spring, considering that this is when the birds start arriving from their wintering grounds in Central America and Southern Mexico. Hummingbirds typically start to migrate northwards when the lengthening days trigger their instincts to travel in search of food sources.

As a rule of thumb for those living in southern states, you can start putting feeders out as early as late February or early March. However, if you reside further north, wait until late April or early May. It’s important to note that these times may vary depending on local climate patterns and yearly weather variations.

Gardeners should also be mindful of the local blooming periods of hummingbirds’ natural food sources: flowers. Coordinating with these periods can offer a better chance of seeing hummingbirds frequent your feeders, as they search for high-energy sustenance that supports their fast-paced lifestyle.

Moreover, it’s wise to keep feeders up through the fall until at least two weeks have passed without seeing any birds. This precaution ensures that late-migrating individuals or stragglers can still find nourishment on their southward journey. In regions with milder climates, such as the West Coast or the southern United States, residents may even see hummingbirds year-round and thus could