The hummingbirds.net website shows that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrived along the gulf coast at the end of February. So when can we expect them in upstate New York? What is our hummingbird season?
"Our hummingbirds are here from
MOTHER'S DAY TO LABOR DAY".
Our hummingbirds will return in early May, but you can put out a feeder in late April that might help early returnees or those birds migrating further north. If you do, you still have to change the nectar regularly (every 4-6 days) even if no hummingbird visits it.
The last of our resident hummingbirds are usually gone by early September, but you may still see migrating birds passing through after that. It is okay - even advisable - to leave a feeder up to assist late migrating birds, but again, you need to change the nectar regularly if you do!
Male hummingbird at Holland Hill feeder
HISTORICAL ARRIVAL DATES
(western Saratoga County NY)
2013: May 6
2012: May 4
2011: May 4
2010: May 9
2009: May 10
2008: May 9
2007: May 6
2006: May 9
![BirdWatcher's Digest Nov/Dec '11](<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="background-color:#D2D2D2;height:30px;"> <td><img class="navlogo" src="http://images-cdn.dashdigital.com/birdwatchersdigest/include/icons/navbar_logo.gif?lm=1323910183000" alt="Visit our website" align="left" height="28"> </td> <td style="COLOR: #666666;font-weight:bold;font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:15px;padding-right:5px;" align="right"> <span id="top_right_text">Look inside ></span> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#FFFFFF;"> <td colspan="2" style="padding:10px 0px;" align="center"> <a href="http://www.birdwatchersdigest-digital.com/birdwatchersdigest/20111112?pg=25" target="_blank" onclick="window.open('http://www.birdwatchersdigest-digital.com/birdwatchersdigest/20111112?pg=25','sharewidget','toolbar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,left=0,top=0,width='+(screen.width-10)+',height='+(screen.height-10)+'');return false;" title="View Magazine"> <img src="http://images-cdn.dashdigital.com/birdwatchersdigest/20111112/data/imgpages/smtn/0025_vhuuhk.gif?lm=1323910183000" alt="22" border="0"> <img src="http://images-cdn.dashdigital.com/birdwatchersdigest/20111112/data/imgpages/smtn/0026_xfvokw.gif?lm=1323910183000" alt="23" border="0"> </a> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#D2D2D2;height:30px;"> <td colspan="2" style="COLOR: #666666;font-weight:bold;font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:15px;" align="center"> <span id="bottom_text">COMMON REDPOLL</span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>){kind=link}
Marilyn, you're okay with a hummingbird around late September. It's probably a migrant. Keep your feeder up and clean...it is helpful and WILL NOT cause them to stay later than they should.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 21, 2012 at 12:34 PM
It is September 20, 2012, and I still have at least one Hummingbird, I hope it is ok, aren't they supposed to be gone now? I am west of Saratoga, Town of Broadalbin.
Posted by: Marilyn | September 20, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Jim, thanks for reporting in from western NY. You might be a few days ahead of us on the eastern side of the state!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 07, 2012 at 04:20 PM
May 6, 2012- I just made a batch of nectar and let it cool before placing it in the hummingbird feeder on the shepherds hook. I got a "hit" within a half hour, so the birds have been here a while already. This is in Fredonia, NY, which is 60 mi. west of Buffalo and three mi. from Lake Erie.
Posted by: Jim Bittner | May 06, 2012 at 01:11 PM
Leslie - keep an eye on your (clean and filled) feeders for migrants. Though my residents are gone, my feeders are still busy!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 05, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Well, I am sad. It now appears that all my resident hummers are gone! I have so enjoyed seeing them at my window this summer! I knew it was "time" when I was replenishing the food twice a day. The extra energy I provided before their migration will hopefully ensure a safe trip to warmer climates. Can't wait till they return next spring! God Speed my little friends!
Posted by: Leslie Wagar | September 03, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Kathleen - thanks for your comment and your reminder to only use CLEAR nectar.
However, I have to strongly emphasize that hummingbirds DO NOT become dependent on our feeding them. Nectar feeders we put out are supplemental food sources and birds WILL FIND OTHER FOOD SOURCES if we discontinue our feeding.
Thanks again for your visit and for your concern for the hummingbirds.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | March 18, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Hummingbirds are just sooo tiny and delightful...if you are going to feed them be POSITIVE to only use a sugur mixture as coloring the water can HARM them as well as their offspring...always remeber to replentish their supply of food as they NOW depend on you for food
Posted by: Kathleen | March 18, 2011 at 02:09 PM
Mother's Day to Labor Day is very accurate for central Indiana also. Can't wait until they come and so sad when they leave. Thanks for the photos.
Posted by: Hummingbird Feeders | August 21, 2010 at 01:16 AM
Andrea - good report. If you MUST keep the garage door open, cover your red door pull or paint it a different color.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | June 07, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Well I am well into feeding all of my hummers!! There are starting to be several of them. I have rescued about 5 out of the garage and I do keep the door closed but I will be sitting there and they fly right in, so the garage door is always kept closed. They are so amazing, and all day long they fly from the front of my house to the back!!! I have 9 feeders out so far!! and I figure on apx. 20 hummers so far. There will be several more after the little ones hatch out!!!
Posted by: Andrea Shova | June 02, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Andyshova - mine aren't back either. Reports are coming in though!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 06, 2010 at 08:41 PM
No hummers to report yet, I am getting nervous!!!!I thought they would have been here by now 5/5/10. I will let everyone know as soon as one arrives
Posted by: Andyshova | May 05, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Andyshova and Grammie - Please drop us a note when they arrive!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | April 26, 2010 at 10:51 PM
I just put out a feeder today. I live 30 miles North of Binghamton. Will let you know when they arrive !! I can't wait. I love my hummers !
Posted by: Grammie | April 26, 2010 at 04:03 PM
I am anxiously awaiting the return of my hummers! I put out 2 feeders on Sunday 4/25 so I will let you know when they arrive to my Syracuse NY home!
Posted by: Andyshova | April 26, 2010 at 11:04 AM