Thousands of Hummingbirds Are Migrating Through Connecticut This Spring

Whether they're flitting through your garden or whizzing by the park, hummingbirds in Connecticut are always a dazzling sight. These brilliant ruby-throated beauties will soon begin spring migration, so that begs the question: When do hummingbirds migrate to Connecticut? Keep your eyes peeled. These charming birds will start to grace our gorgeous state toward the end of April. That gives you plenty of time to start looking for the best hummingbird feeders for your yard. When's the best time to see hummingbirds in Connecticut? Here's everything you need to know.

If you're wondering, "When do hummingbirds migrate to Connecticut?" Ruby-throated hummingbirds make two migrations per year - one north and one south. It's an arduous journey for the world's smallest birds, but they continue to make the solitary trek year after year. It's the only way to get the best breeding grounds and secure their feeding territories.

These tiny birds are one of our favorite signs of spring in Connecticut, and we love seeing them each year. We can expect to see a surge of these brilliant ruby-throated beauties toward the end of April and in early May. Males typically arrive first, with the females following a few weeks later, and they usually remain until the end of September or early October.

There are over 300 different hummingbird species, but only about 15 types regularly migrate to the United States and make their temporary home in Connecticut. Most ruby-throated hummingbirds spend their winters between southern Mexico and northern Panama.

By February, these hummingbirds instinctively begin their flight north. For some, the journey spans nearly 600 miles and is entirely over open water, which means a nonstop flight of up to 24 hours. Averaging 55 wing beats per second, ruby-throated hummingbirds fly quickly and can be difficult to spot.

Attract ruby-throated hummingbirds by putting a feeder in your yard. They're especially attracted to the color red, so when you're looking for the best hummingbird feeders, keep this in mind. Maintenance is relatively easy, especially for the reward of attracting these tiny birds to your yard.

Once you've purchased a bird feeder, decide where to put it. The best time to put out hummingbird feeders in Connecticut is early to mid-April, ahead of the hummingbirds' expected arrival. If you have hummingbird-friendly flowers in your yard, place the feeder near the plants. Ruby-throated hummingbirds generally eat twice their body weight in the nectar from flowers - columbines, salvia, and honeysuckle, for example - each day. Their diet also consists of insects, including caterpillars and spiders, and sometimes tree sap.

Don't worry if you don't have flowers, but look for a shady area, such as under a tree. Shade provides hummingbirds a break from the sun and helps prevent the sugar water from fermenting. Fill your feeder with sugar water, using one part sugar and four parts water. Never add red dye, as it can be fatal to birds.

While my yard is predominately open space, I have three large trees right near my back porch, an ideal spot for my hummingbird feeders. One of the most important parts of maintaining a feeder is ensuring it remains clean and avoiding the buildup of mold. I clean mine every other day and usually change the water daily. If you change your water every few days, keep an eye on it. If the water gets cloudy, change it as soon as possible.

It just wouldn't feel like spring in Connecticut without enjoying this amazing flight of fancy. Get your binoculars ready so you don't miss a thing!

Are you enthralled with the hummingbirds in Connecticut? Where do you go to see them besides your backyard? Let us know your favorite place to see hummingbirds - a state park, a neighborhood park, or a hiking trail - in Connecticut by filling out a nomination form.

If you're looking for more fun this season, check out these beautiful spring destinations or set off on one of the best spring hikes in Connecticut. Find even more by using our new Travel Planner!