Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders every year. Determining the best time to put out hummingbird feeders in Cincinnati, Ohio ensures that these tiny birds have a nourishing food source ready and waiting for them when they arrive from their migration.
Arrival and Departure Times
Most hummingbirds that breed in Ohio and the Midwest, including ruby-throated hummingbirds, arrive back from their southern wintering grounds in early to mid April. They start arriving as early as late March in some years. The key factor influencing their migration time is warmth. As soon as the threat of freezing overnight temperatures has passed, the hummers begin migrating north to their breeding grounds.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically start showing up in the Cincinnati area around April 10th, with peak migration around May 1st. However, arrival times can vary by about two weeks from year to year depending on weather conditions. Tracking first sightings on local birding websites and apps like eBird can help narrow down arrival dates for each season.
It’s best to have feeders up and ready about two weeks before the average arrival date. This gives early returning hummers a reliable food source at a critical time when flower nectar is still sparse.
Hummingbirds start departing again in August to head back south. Most clear out of Ohio by mid-October. This means feeders should be taken down by late September or early October at the latest to discourage any stragglers from sticking around when freezing temps return.
Best Time to Put Out Feeders
Based on average hummingbird arrival dates, late March to early April is the optimal window to put feeders out in Cincinnati. Hanging them about 1-2 weeks before the earliest expected arrivals provides the best chance of catching the first wave of returning birds while still limiting waste of old nectar.
Here are the key steps for timing hummingbird feeder setup in Cincinnati:
- Hang feeders by late March or early April at the latest.
- Fill with fresh nectar and change nectar every 2-3 days at first.
- Track first sightings of arriving hummers on birding sites to gauge arrival dates.
- Once hummers consistently start appearing, change nectar every 5-7 days.
Starting the feeders in late March provides early birds nectar as soon as they return. Waiting until confirmed arrivals in April is fine too. Just try to give them a week or two head start if possible.
Preparing and Maintaining Feeders
Proper setup and maintenance ensures feeders provide safe, healthy nectar for hummingbirds through the season. Here are some tips:
- Clean feeders with a dilute bleach solution before first use to kill mold.
- Use only refined white sugar and water for nectar. No honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring.
- Mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and boil to dissolve and inhibit mold.
- Avoid fillings with red food dye, clear nectar is best.
- Change nectar every 5-7 days once hummingbirds are active at the feeder.
- Rinse and clean feeders thoroughly every 1-2 weeks with hot water only, no soap.
- Avoid insecticides which can harm hummingbirds. Use natural controls if needed.
With proper setup and care, backyard feeders provide hummingbirds the quick energy they need. The birds reward our efforts with amazing up-close views and endless entertainment.
Ideal Flowers and Plants to Attract Hummingbirds
While feeders provide an excellent nectar source, hummingbirds also seek out flowering plants and trees. Adding these to the garden helps attract them and gives needed habitat. The best options include:
| Flowers | Description |
|---|---|
| Bee balm | Tubular red flowers full of nectar |
| Cardinal flower | Spikes of bright red, tubular flowers |
| Columbine | Colorful, nectar rich flowers in spring/summer |
| Fuchsia | Tubular, bright red and purple flowers |
| Petunia | Abundant trumpet shaped blooms |
| Salvia | Spikes of tubular flowers in reds/blues |
Trees and shrubs that attract hummingbirds include:
| Trees/Shrubs | Description |
|---|---|
| Butterfly bush | Covered in flower spikes, blooms summer/fall |
| Lilac | Early spring blooms full of nectar |
| Trumpet vine | Vigorous climber with orange/red blooms |
| Weigela | Tubular flowers in pinks/reds |
Consult local nurseries for the non-invasive species best suited for the Cincinnati climate. Aim to provide continuous bloom from spring through fall migration.
Ideal Feeder Setups to Attract Hummingbirds
Feeder styles, locations and configurations can impact how readily hummingbirds come to them. Consider these tips for ideal setups:
Types of Feeders
- Select feeders with red parts to attract hummingbirds.
- Use feeders that prevent bees, wasps and ants from accessing the nectar.
- Choose wide-mouth feeders rather than enclosed for easy hummingbird access.
- Look for leak-proof feeders that won’t drip nectar.
- Opt for feeding ports made of glass or plastic rather than metal.
Numbers of Feeders
- Start with 2-3 feeders spaced widely in first year.
- Gradually increase numbers if hummingbird traffic warrants.
- Try a feeder cluster of 4-6 once hummers are established.
- Spread feeders out to reduce aggressive behavior.
Location Tips
- Hang feeders in dappled sunlight to limit nectar spoilage.
- Place near gardens, flowering plants or trees.
- Elevate on poles or hang from eaves/decks for safety.
- Position where you can view them through windows if desired.
- Move feeders periodically to deter territorial birds.
With a quality feeder or two providing fresh nectar in the right spots, hummingbirds will soon make themselves at home.
Conclusion
Determining when to put out hummingbird feeders takes a little planning and preparation but pays off in bounds once these energetic birds arrive. Follow the tips above for ideal timing, care and setup in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. With a properly maintained feeding station alongside flower-filled gardens and trees, homeowners can look forward to a buzzing array of visiting hummingbirds from spring through fall.
