Hummingbirds are almost back in Ohio. Here’s when to put out your feeders
Little fluttering, fast-flying creatures are coming back to Ohio soon.
Hummingbirds can travel more than 3,000 miles during migration and in March, folks in Ohio get to see their tiny wings fly around once more.
But when should you put our feeders? And how else can you attract hummingbirds? Here’s what to know:
When to put out feeders
Some believe you should only put your feeders out during the spring months, but according to Wild Bird Scoop, you can actually leave one out all year:
“Typically, feeders for migrating species should be taken down only after no more hummingbirds are seen for a couple of weeks. Usually, it is safe to remove feeders in November in Georgia. However, if there are year-round occupants in your area, you might also consider leaving your hummingbird feeders out for the entire year to provide for winter residents.”
If you like to only put them out during spring months, Wild Bird Scoop recommends putting them out in February. Where to put feeders
Southern Living encourages putting hummingbird feeders near bushes and shrubs because it gives the birds somewhere to rest while they eat. An area with various types of flowers also provide extra nutrition.
How to make hummingbird feed
According to the Smithsonian National Zoo, here’s how to make hummingbird food:
- Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (for example, 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water) until the sugar is dissolved
- Do not add red dye
- Fill your hummingbird feeders with the sugar water and place outside
- Extra sugar water can be stored in a refrigerator
- Change feeders every other day and thoroughly clean them each time to prevent harmful mold growth
How to attract hummingbirds
Hummingbirds love to eat by sight, which means once they find a pretty plant or one that looks new to them, they immediately want to feed from it.
“If you plan carefully and select a variety of plants that flower throughout the season, you will be rewarded with happy hummers,” according to Wilson’s Garden Center in Ohio. “When designing your garden, remember that what is pleasing to our eye is also great for catching theirs. Arrange plants with variation in heights from shortest to tallest and group varieties and colors together for the biggest impact.”
Are you excited to see hummingbirds this year? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
