Hummingbirds are a delight to observe with their speedy flight and hovering ability. While they can be found throughout many parts of the United States during the warmer months, it takes a bit more effort to find them in San Francisco. However, they are present in certain locations at certain times of the year. Here is an overview of the best places, times, and methods for seeing hummingbirds in San Francisco.
Best Locations
While hummingbirds can occasionally appear in any neighborhood garden or park in San Francisco, particularly during migration times, there are several key spots around the city that are reliable places to spot them.
Presidio
The Presidio, a former military base turned national park, is one of the most dependable places to observe hummingbirds in San Francisco. There are two main attractions here for hummingbird watchers:
- The native plant gardens around the Presidio Visitor Center and Officers’ Club attract Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds with their nectar-rich flowers.
- Battery East is a shelterbelt planted with hundreds of flowering shrubs that act as a magnet for migrant and breeding hummers of several species.
Golden Gate Park
The gardens of Golden Gate Park provide plentiful hummingbird habitat. Some specific spots to watch for them include:
- Strawberry Hill – a prime spot during spring and fall migration
- Strybing Arboretum – stop by the garden’s hummingbird garden
- Japanese Tea Garden – feasting on nectar from camellias and fuchsias
- Botanical Garden – migrating Anna’s and Allen’s frequent this spot
Neighborhood Parks
Small neighborhood parks can also be home to hummingbirds, especially if they have flower gardens or native plantings. Some parks known for hummingbirds include:
- Alta Plaza Park
- Corona Heights Park
- Buena Vista Park
- Bernal Heights Park
- McLaren Park
Home Gardens
Those lucky enough to have flower or native plant gardens in their yards may attract hummingbirds, even in the city. Providing nectar feeders or red tubular flowers will increase the odds of sightings. Keep an eye out during migration and nesting times.
Best Times of Year
While hummingbirds are present year-round in San Francisco, the best viewing opportunities are during key seasonal windows.
Spring Migration – Mid-February to Mid-May
The spring migration brings the most diversity of hummingbird species through San Francisco. Arriving from their southern wintering grounds, the migrants join year-round resident Anna’s and Allen’s. Peak activity is from mid-March through mid-May.
Some species to watch for during the spring include:
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Breeding Season – February to July
Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds nest in the city, with breeding activity from February through July. Listen for territorial males making display dives and look for females gathering nesting material.
Fall Migration – Mid-July to November
The southbound fall migration overlaps with the tail end of nesting season, running from mid-July into November. Post-breeding dispersal joins the migrants heading south. Autumn migration is less intense than spring, but late summer and early fall are still a good time to find hummingbirds.
Best Ways to See Hummingbirds
Here are some tips for spotting hummingbirds during your visit to popular San Francisco birdwatching locations:
Look for hotspots
Head for habitat hotspots like flower gardens, shelters, and stands of nectar-bearing native plants. Watch for darting hummers or listen for their buzzing wings.
Bring binoculars
With their tiny size and hyperactive movement, binoculars will help you get a good look at any hummingbirds you spot.
Have patience
Hummingbirds are easily startled and quick to flee. Sit patiently in one spot while focusing your eyes and ears for their arrival.
Follow the sounds
Listen for characteristic buzzing wings or chipping calls to pinpoint hummingbird activity.
Watch for aerial displays
During courtship and nesting season, males perform dramatic dive displays high in the air. Watch overhead near potential nest sites.
Provide nectar
Consider bringing a nectar feeder to attract them. Fill with a 4 parts water to 1 part sugar solution. Set up in a visible spot and wait nearby.
Hang a ruby throat hummer feeder
A feeder specifically designed to attract hummingbirds can be a reliable way to observe them up close. The bright red color and nectar attracts them.
Don’t forget the camera!
Be ready with your camera if you want pictures of these fast-moving, feathered dynamos.
Enjoy the chase
Seeing a hummingbird takes patience and persistence, but that makes every sighting all the more magical.
Key Facts About Hummingbirds in San Francisco
Here are some key facts about the hummingbirds of San Francisco that will help you in your quest to observe them:
| Species | Plumage | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Emerald green back, gray underparts | Year-round resident |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Green back, rufous sides, orange throat | Year-round resident |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Rusty red on sides, green on back | Spring and fall migrant |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Dark purple throat band | Spring and fall migrant |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Tiny, reddish purple throat | Spring migrant |
Did you know:
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are one of the few species that tolerate cooler temperatures, allowing them to be permanent San Francisco residents.
- Around 600 species of flowering plants in San Francisco provide nectar for fueling hummingbirds.
- Hummingbird nests are tiny, often no larger than a walnut shell.
- San Francisco is situated along the Pacific Flyway bird migration route used by hummingbirds.
- Climate change may impact hummingbird populations if timing of blooming plants shifts out of sync with migrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hummingbird feeder to use?
Red tubular feeders are ideal as the color and shape attract hummingbirds. Make sure it is easy to clean and fill. Consider aspects like ant moats and bee guards.
When should I put up and take down feeders?
Put up feeders in early spring before migrants arrive and take down in late fall after they leave. You can leave them up year-round if you live near wintering Anna’s or Allen’s.
What plants will attract hummingbirds?
Native plants like currants, manzanitas, penstemons, and sages are good choices. For non-natives, go with ones with tubular red flowers like fuchsias, coral bells, and monkey flowers.
What is the best formula for homemade nectar?
Mix 1 part plain white sugar with 4 parts water. Boil to dissolve sugar fully then let cool before filling feeders.
When are hummingbirds present in San Francisco?
Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds are present year-round. Most migratory species pass through from February to May on their way north, and again from July into November headed south.
How fast does a hummingbird’s wings beat?
A hummingbird’s wings beat incredibly fast, around 50 to 200 flaps per second depending on the species. This allows them to hover and fly rapidly.
How can I identify hummingbirds at my feeder?
Observation of details like plumage colors, tail shape, beak length, throat colors, and body size will help identify species. Photos or an ID book can help match what you see.
Conclusion
With a little preparation and planning, San Francisco’s parks, gardens, and natural areas offer rewarding opportunities to observe hummingbirds. Their speed and agility are mesmerizing, and patience will be rewarded with a chance to admire these energetic pollinators up close. By visiting hummingbird habitats during peak migration and nesting times, learning to identify species, and utilizing techniques to attract them, you’ll be starting your own urban hummingbird quest soon enough.
