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Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet – they can even fly backward. Despite weighing only a few ounces due to their tiny skeleton, they are surprisingly strong for their size. Hummingbirds are the ultimate symbol of beauty and vitality, and they prefer to hover over the petals of colorful flowers to drink nectar.
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Hummingbirds will always be around to put on a fantastic singing show in backyards across America, no matter how cold it gets outside. So, when should you expect them to show up in your backyard? Continue reading to find out!
When Will Hummingbirds Arrive in Massachusetts?
One of the first signs of spring in Massachusetts is the arrival of the hummingbirds that migrate north each year to breed in April and May. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only species of hummingbirds that migrate to Massachusetts.
When do Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Massachusetts? The answer to this question depends on what part of the state you’re asking about. In eastern Massachusetts, hummingbirds can be found from mid-April through mid-May and late August through September. Hummingbirds in western Massachusetts start arriving in May and can be seen until October or November.
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Massachusetts
Most people keep their hummingbird feeders out all winter long on a chance that they might catch a glimpse of these tiny birds feeding.
But, the fact is that hummingbirds appear in spring. As soon as spring is about to start and the weather is warm enough, it’s time to take out those feeders. The ideal time to put out your feeders is early April and May. Hummingbirds are most vulnerable during the winter, so it’s essential to protect them by putting out a feeder as soon as the weather warms up.
What Kinds of Hummingbirds Come to Massachusetts?
The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird species found in Massachusetts during spring. Although some females appear gray, it’s easy to identify this hummingbird by its ruby-red throat and black plumage.
Male hummingbirds arrive first to establish their feeding territories, followed by the female hummingbirds. The chances of spotting Ruby-throated hummingbirds around your feeders are high.
Other hummingbird species that occasionally visit Massachusetts are Rufous, Allen’s, and Black-chinned hummingbirds.
How to Make the Best Nectar to Attract Hummingbirds
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It is essential to have the best nectar prepared to make sure that you get to see these birds. To make hummingbird nectar, you need 1 cup of water and 4 cups of white sugar. Mix them in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Let it cool, and pour the solution into your feeder with an ant moat and liquid dispenser. You should put the nectar in your refrigerator if you plan to use it within 24 hours. It will last for a week without refrigeration when stored correctly in a sterilized glass container washed thoroughly with hot water.
Using red dye instead of artificial food coloring will attract more hummingbirds and other insects, so if possible, leave out these chemicals from your recipe.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave Massachusetts?
The hummingbird species that spend their summers in the state will soon be on their way south to warmer climates, some as far as Central America, and the few hummingbirds that are here year-round will only be around for another month or so.
The male Ruby-throated hummingbird departs first, followed by the female with the young ones two weeks later.
You may see hummingbirds leave as early as August or September, but they’ll typically depart after October has started. Non-migratory hummingbirds will remain in Massachusetts all winter, though, so your chances of seeing one increase after December.
When Should I Put Away The Hummingbird Feeders in Massachusetts?
You can take down your feeders by the beginning of December if you haven’t seen any hummingbirds for two weeks. Due to their small size, hummingbirds need a high sugar diet. Before leaving Massachusetts and starting their long journey to the south, they need to refuel as much as possible. For that reason, it is crucial to wait for at least two weeks after seeing the last bird before taking away your feeders.
Female Hummingbirds and stragglers usually start their migration late, so you should keep your feeders out until mid-December.
Factors That Affect the Hummingbirds’ Migration
The main force behind changing bird migration is the seasonal fluctuation of food supplies, climate, predation, and competition for resources. Because hummingbirds rely heavily on nectar, it stands to reason that their migration patterns are connected to plant species that are in bloom.
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The climate change in Massachusetts poses an imminent risk to hummingbirds. Scorching summers force the hummingbirds to seek shelter rather than pollinate. Climate change also causes the spring to arrive early, disrupting the cycle between blooming plants and the arrival of hummingbirds from colder regions.
Do Hummingbirds Return To The Same Place Every Year?
Hummingbirds are a loyal species with a great memory. So if you fed them last summer, you should expect their return to the same feeders this year.
Sometimes hummingbirds arrive in Massachusetts before the spring bloom, so it’s necessary to keep your feeders out and provide them with an alternate food source.
What Massachusetts Flowers Are Best For Attracting Hummingbirds?
You can use several different flowers to attract hummingbirds in Massachusetts. Before planting, make sure that the flower will produce sufficient nectar and is easy to grow and maintain in your garden.
- The best Massachusetts native flower suitable for hummingbirds is the Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans).
- Another fantastic native Massachusetts flower is the Red Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). It provides an excellent addition to your backyard or garden!
- Planting Bee Balm (Monarda) in your garden will bring many visitors, from butterflies to hummingbirds. These plants are native to Massachusetts and don’t require much maintenance.
- Sage (Salvia spp.) is a particular flower that is easy to grow, looks gorgeous in the garden, and brings hummingbirds right to your doorstep.
- Rhododendron, Lupine, and Columbine are among hummingbirds’ favorites.
Most of these flowers are red because red is the color hummingbirds are attracted to the most. So make sure you plant while keeping this in mind.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to My Garden?
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, and it’s hard not to be enchanted by their beauty. To attract hummingbirds into your yard, you first need to understand what attracts them and what they need most.
While some people say that red is a hummingbird’s favorite color, others believe it’s something else entirely. A more surefire way of attracting these colorful birds is putting out plenty of food, mainly nectar and insects. Most people use nectar as that is what hummingbirds prefer.
It’s also vital that you keep the feeders in the same place every year, so it’s not difficult for hummingbirds to find.
Get ready for the arrival of your fast-flying friends – the Hummingbirds!
With your feeders out, flowers blooming, and binoculars ready, you are now prepared for the arrival of the hummingbirds. So start to look for these colorful birds from mid-April.
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