Time to Feed the Hummingbirds

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

As flowers and warm weather begin to creep up from south to north, it brings with it many migratory birds and insects, but none quite so highly anticipated as the jeweled Hummingbird!

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird begins migrating north as early as February and many other species start as early as March. Either remaining year-round in California and the Pacific coast, or having wintered over in Central America and Mexico, these flying jewels start traveling to the US to nest and raise their young, or continue on through until they reach Canada!

Their heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, and their wings flap 15 to 80 times a second! Typically burning through 6,000 to 12,000 calories during migration and when feeding their young, an adult hummingbird needs to consume up to half their body weight in sugary nectar a day!

So you know they’re going to be arriving hungry!

Getting Hummingbird Feeders Ready!

The males arrive first and the females are close behind. During their solitary migration (or a parent accompanied by last year's young), a Hummingbird can fly up to 23 miles in one day.

Having access to safe roosts in the evening and nectar-rich pit stops along the way is vital for these tiny birds!

The best way this early in the growing season to help them out is to set up a Hummingbird feeder!

Getting Hummingbird Feeders Ready!

If you already have a feeder, get it out of storage or bring it in from where it’s been hanging outside since last fall.

Take apart and scrub the feeder in warm water if it is very dirty
Mix a solution of one quart of water and one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar in a sink or dishpan.
Let soak to soften any encrusted matter from last year
Scrub gently with a bottle brush to get in every nook and cranny.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Completely dry the parts and reassemble

Avoid bleach and soap as the residue will make the Hummingbird sugar/water taste unappealing and can even make them ill.

Preparing The Hummingbird Food

You can buy pre-made Hummingbird nectar or make your own! Either way, avoid the gimmicky red-tinted stuff because artificial food coloring can also make them ill in the long run.

DIY Hummingbird Nectar

Mix one part sugar to four parts water. The sugar/water should be boiled to both dissolve the sugar and to sterilize the water.
Let cool so it won’t burn you while pouring it into a sterile bottle.
Carefully fill your feeders
Store the unused portion in the refrigerator to use within a week or so. Do not use any colorants, they are not needed.
Keep the solution in your feeder fresh and replace it when it gets cloudy. Likewise with the stored extra sugar water. It should be kept refrigerated for about once a week or more.
Keep your feeders clean and filled once you begin feeding so they make your home a regular stop.

Where to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder

The best placement for your Hummingbird feeder is in a secluded area away from full sun areas so the solution does not heat up or dry out faster.

Choose a location with plenty of cover for the Hummingbirds to feel safe to roost and dart out of and where it is safe for them to sip the nectar.

You’ll also want a front-row seat, so hanging one by your picture window or favorite garden bench works great too!

Keep Them Coming Back!

Hummingbirds are creatures of habit! They travel the same route along their migratory path and they revisit known hotspots to fuel up on food! Once they’ve chosen your yard as a favorite, they’ll be back year after year!

If they are nesting in your region for the summers, be sure to plant plenty of Hummingbird-friendly plants for them to sip from! Choose red and brightly colored flowers with tubular-shaped or trumpet-shaped flowers. They like herb flowers and typical pollinator plants that are nectar-heavy. I’ve even seen them visiting the flowers from my forgotten Arugula and ignoring the Trumpet Vine just a few feet away!

Nature Hills Nursery is here to help you keep these lovely birds returning to your yard and support them throughout their migration each spring and fall with a wide variety of plants you and they will love!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I put out my hummingbird feeder in spring?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin migrating north as early as February, with many other species starting their journey in March. Because males arrive first and are searching for food after burning 6,000 to 12,000 calories during migration, having your feeder clean and filled before you expect them is essential. Set up your feeder at least one to two weeks before hummingbirds are typically spotted in your area, using a fresh solution of one part sugar to four parts boiled water, so these hungry travelers have a reliable nectar source waiting for them the moment they arrive.

How early should I have my feeder ready for the first migrating hummingbirds?

Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds begin migrating north as early as February, with many other species starting in March, so you should have your feeder cleaned, filled, and ready to go by late January or early February if you live in the southern US. Females follow shortly after the males, and these tiny birds arrive hungry after burning 6,000 to 12,000 calories during migration. Get your feeder out of storage now, give it a thorough scrub with a vinegar solution, and fill it with a fresh mix of one part sugar to four parts boiled water so it is ready when the first scouts arrive in your area.

How long should I keep my hummingbird feeders up in the fall?

Most experts recommend keeping hummingbird feeders up for at least two weeks after you see the last hummingbird of the season, typically through mid to late October in most regions of the US. Leaving feeders up will not prevent hummingbirds from migrating, as their departure is triggered by daylight length, not food availability. In warmer zones like California and along the Pacific Coast, feeders can remain up year-round since some species never leave. Keep your feeder clean and stocked with fresh nectar right up until you take it down, then store it properly so it is ready to go again in early spring.

How often should I clean and refill my hummingbird feeder?

Clean and refill your hummingbird feeder every 2 to 3 days in warm weather, and at least once a week in cooler temperatures, as sugar water ferments quickly and can harm the birds. Use a solution of one quart of water and one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar to soak and scrub the feeder thoroughly with a bottle brush, making sure to reach every nook and cranny. Always rinse with warm water and dry completely before refilling with fresh nectar made from one part plain white sugar to four parts boiled, cooled water.

How can I attract more hummingbirds to my yard during spring migration?

Set up your hummingbird feeder by late February or early March to catch early arrivals, as Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds begin migrating north as early as February and males lead the way. Fill your feeder with a homemade nectar solution of one part white sugar to four parts boiled, cooled water, and skip any red-dyed commercial nectars since artificial coloring can harm the birds over time. Keep your feeder clean by scrubbing it regularly with a diluted white vinegar solution to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Place feeders in a visible, sheltered spot in your yard and keep the nectar fresh to give migrating hummingbirds a reliable pit stop they will remember and return to season after season.

When do hummingbirds typically arrive in Tennessee and other southern states?

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds typically begin arriving in Tennessee and other southern states as early as late March to mid-April, as they migrate northward from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. Males arrive first, followed closely by females, with the birds capable of traveling up to 23 miles per day during migration. Have your clean feeder filled and ready by late March so these hungry travelers have a reliable nectar source waiting for them when they pass through.

Which flowers should I plant to support hummingbirds alongside my feeder?

Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to tubular, nectar-rich flowers in red, orange, and pink tones, so excellent choices include Salvia, Trumpet Vine, Bee Balm, Penstemon, and Coral Honeysuckle, most of which thrive in USDA zones 4 through 9. Plant a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers so you are providing continuous nectar from the time hummingbirds arrive in spring through their fall departure. For best results, cluster plantings of five or more of the same flower together near your feeder to create a highly visible, rewarding feeding zone that keeps them returning to your yard all season long.

How do I keep bees and ants away from my hummingbird feeder?

To deter ants, use an ant moat filled with water hung above your feeder, which creates a barrier they cannot cross. For bees, choose feeders with recessed ports that keep the nectar further from the opening, and avoid overfilling so nectar does not drip and attract insects. If bees become a persistent problem, temporarily move the feeder a few feet to a new location, as bees will return to the original spot while hummingbirds will easily find the relocated feeder. Keep the outside of your feeder clean and dry to reduce the sweet residue that draws insects in the first place.

Can hummingbirds become dependent on feeders if I keep them filled all season?

Hummingbirds are instinct-driven migrants and will not become dependent on your feeder to the point of skipping migration or abandoning natural foraging. They naturally visit dozens of food sources throughout the day, so your feeder is simply one reliable stop among many. Keep your feeder clean and filled with fresh nectar, replacing it every two to three days in warm weather, and you will provide a valuable supplement without disrupting their natural behavior.