Every year at this time we regularly answer the question “when will the hummingbirds arrive?” and “when should I put out a feeder?” The first reported sightings of Ruby-throated hummingbirds (RTH) in middle TN are just a few weeks away. There are usually a few local sightings by the last week of March while the vast majority of RTH’s begin arriving or passing through between early April and mid-May. Male hummingbirds tend to arrive ahead of females. At my home in Cheatam Co. nearly 30 years of taking note of my first RTH sighting is between April 4th and 10th, and always an adult male.
Some of these early arrivals may rest and feed for a day or two before continuing on their journey to their final destination, which may be as far as Canada. Those that stay in mid-TN will then begin establishing territory, courting and nesting. Their interest in feeders is minimal at this time. Why? Unless a hard freeze kills blooms and no flowers are available nature provides hummingbirds with everything they could possibly need, which is nectar from plants, and insects for protein. The first hummingbirds to arrive at my home in Cheatham County usually spend more time at the Columbine blooms than at the feeder. Early blooming perennials and native plants are a very important nectar source for hummingbirds. People living in rural areas tend to see hummingbirds earlier and more often than people in more urban areas. Why? The simple answer is rural areas provide better and more nesting habitat for hummingbirds.
Activiy from the peak part of the season in August.
Temper your expectations. Do not expect to see a lot of activity early on. We suggest putting out 1 or 2 feeders with small amounts of nectar the 1st week of April. There is no need to put out a lot of feeders nor should you fill feeders to capacity. There just isn’t that much feeding activity early on. With the cool nights your nectar can last a little longer than in summer but do pay attention to the quality. You should still change the nectar once or twice a week depending on temperatures. Keep it fresh and the feeder clean. This is very important to the health of the hummingbirds. You must remember Ruby-throated hummingbirds do not need sugar water but only take advantage of it. If the nectar is not in good condition they will find other sources.
Hummers will come to feeders more frequently when they are ready and that typically occurs near the end of their breeding season. Usually, late June to mid-July is when we see an increase in activity at feeders. Most of the offspring from possibly 2 broods has fledged by then and as August arrives feeding activity will be at its busiest as adults and youngsters visit feeders and pack on weight and energy rich fat in preparation for the migration back.
It is certainly possible you may see a bird or two take advantage of the feeder before moving on to its final destination. It is not true that if you don’t put out a feeder now you will miss them later in the summer. Some people wait till July to put a feeder up, and have success.
The Best Solution for Hummingbird Nectar
The best nectar you can offer hummingbirds is a simple 1 part sugar to 4 parts water solution. It is not necessary for the water to be brought to a boil before adding sugar unless you are making larger quantities for storage in the fridge. The nectar is ready after the sugar has been stirred in and fully dissolved. Do not add color in the form of food dye. Color is absolutely unnecessary and potentially harmful. Also, DO NOT use natural raw sugar or honey. Regular white table sugar is best.