There are many ways to celebrate the return of spring: from the first daffodils on a bright sunny day, to the first time our neighborhood ice cream stand opens, to maybe even that first Friday when the Parkway traffic is insufferable. All are signs of the changing season, for sure.
I’ll offer up one of my own favorites: the first hummingbird. The tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird, weighing in at three, maybe three and a half, ounces is a mainstay of our woodlands and (with some work) our backyards throughout the warmer half of the year. It is the only hummingbird species that regularly occurs in the eastern United States, with a breeding range that extends as far west as the Plains and as far north as southern Canada.
Most years, the first hummingbirds (usually males) arrive in Cape May County between April 10 and 15, with numbers really increasing around April 25. Some will stay, others will continue farther north. This year, the first was seen on April 9 at Cape May Point! These newly arrived migrants come from Mexico or Central America, with many apparently crossing the Gulf of Mexico during both spring and fall. It’s an amazing feat for such a tiny bird.
At the Cape May Bird Observatory, we frequently field calls this time of year from folks hoping to attract hummingbirds to their homes. You may be curious too, so here’s my advice:
We’re big fans of using specialized hummingbird feeders, especially during early spring when naturally occurring nectar sources are still limited. Just be aware that these feeders require regular cleaning and upkeep, say at least once a week (twice in the summer heat). The best hummingbird food recipe consists of a solution that is one-part white sugar and four parts clear water. Don’t go heavy on the sugar, it can damage the tiny organs of the hummingbird—and definitely no brown sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Keep it simple! This solution can be briefly boiled, but it’s not necessary. And since your feeder needs regular cleaning, there’s never a need to make too much; maybe enough to fill the feeder and some to store in the fridge.
It may also be wise to utilize multiple feeders and put some thought into where they should be placed. Hummingbirds are supremely territorial, especially males, so having multiple and well-spaced feeders can be beneficial. It’s also good to have some form of cover nearby in case danger presents itself; keeping your feeders within 10-15 feet of a garden, hedgerow, or tree will make them far more inviting to your tiny guests.
But why stop with just a feeder or two? We also receive lots of hummingbird-related calls just as summer begins. Folks are concerned that their hummingbirds have gone away since there’s been no sightings at their feeders. It’s not that they’re gone, but instead,
they’re feeding on natural food sources! Keep hummingbirds in your yard all spring, summer, and at least part of the fall by providing habitat with native plants. Spring bloomers such as Coral Honeysuckle, Coral Bells, and Red Columbine are all sure to attract these winged jewels to your property. A bit later in summer, hummingbirds may like Bee Balm, Trumpet Creeper, Blazing Star and, of course, Cardinal Flower. A little-known fact about hummingbirds is that they obtain much of their protein through prey items such as mosquitoes, fruit flies, and small spiders. You can make your yard even more attractive and safe for hummingbirds by limiting or eliminating pesticide and insecticide use.
Want to take the next steps? Stop by the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center in Cape May Point to pick up your first (or next) hummingbird feeder and learn more about these amazing birds. And for hummingbird-friendly native plants, do not miss the Native Plant Sale at our sister center, the Nature Center of Cape May, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3!
