Yes!!! Hummingbirds have been reported visiting feeders in parts of Maryland according to Journey North‘s 2016 Hummingbird Migration Map. It looks like they’re here!!!
Time to get your Hummingbird feeders ready!
Greet these amazing birds after their exhausting journey, with Hummingbird feeders filled and waiting.
Even though many of us won’t have regular visitors until flowers bloom in May, these first migrants coming through really need to bulk up after their long migration. Not so many flowers yet, so we need to help!
The Backyard Naturalist is ready to see Hummingbirds! Are you?! We’ve put together some important tips to help you prepare and maybe even take things up a notch!
Attracting & Feeding Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
The Backyard Naturalist’s Checklist for Hosting Hummingbirds:
- Think RED! Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, both in the feeders and flowers they are attracted to.
- Use only clear nectar! Nectar in nature is clear, and you want to mimic their natural food sources. Never use red food dye! This is not appropriate for Hummingbirds.
- Make your own. It’s easy! See the Hummingbird nectar recipe on our new Hummingbird page.
- Clean feeders and refresh nectar every few days, or sooner if not crystal clear. In the heat of summer, this should be done every other day generally.
- Use easy to clean, low maintenance, ant & bee proof feeders! We recommend the Aspects Hummzinger series of feeders as our favorites.
- Do not use soaps when cleaning your hummingbird feeders or nectar bottles! Cleaning with hot water is usually enough if you are being diligent, not letting mold develop. If needed, white vinegar is a safe cleaner and mixed with salt can be good as an abrasive.
- Hummingbird Wars?! Put out multiple feeders to reduce fighting. Hummingbirds in this area are known to be very territorial.
Check Your Hummingbird Feeders
Are your Hummingbird feeders in good shape? The Backyard Naturalist is fully stocked with all the feeders, poles, nectars and accessories you could possibly need!
Make Your Backyard Attractive to Hummingbirds
In addition to plentiful Hummingbird feeders, make your yard even more enticing by making nesting material, like Hummingbird Nesting Helper available. You’ll help a nesting Hummingbird line her nest and give yourself more viewing opportunities, too!
Plant your garden with flowers that Hummingbirds love! We recommend and stock pesticide-free, non-GMO seeds for flowers that attract Hummingbirds, and also Bees, Butterflies and Songbirds.
These are all good ways to increase your backyard’s Hummingbird appeal and support these amazing birds who’ve come such a long way to visit! If you’re a Ruby-throated Hummingbird fan, see The Backyard Naturalist’s Hummingbird page for facts, recommendations for further reading and a recipe to make your own Hummingbird Nectar.
Share your sightings!
Please report the date and location of first sightings on our Facebook page. Who’ll see them FIRST??!!!