It’s that time of year when we start hearing the perennial question: When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
Here in Ohio, a good rule of thumb is by Tax Day, April 15. South of us, though, ruby-throated hummingbirds have been here for some weeks and are being reported as far north as the Carolinas. Texas has reported several species of hummers present, and some areas are temperate enough to provide insects and flowers to keep hummingbirds year-round.
So, in short, the answer to this question depends on where you live. And probably the quickest way to get an answer for your particular corner of the continent is to check out a hummingbird migration map.
One trusted website with such a map is Hummingbird Central, which monitors hummingbird migration from January through May.
Another is the Hummingbird Guide, which allows you to search by city and state for reports.
Both sites allow you to submit your hummer sightings as well.
While it may be time to hang your nectar feeder, remember that hummingbirds are unlikely to visit in big numbers until later in the summer. Be sure to check out our site for more information and best practices on feeding hummingbirds and cleaning your hummingbird feeder.
