Posted in Massachusetts Nature February 22, 2023 by

Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Massachusetts During Their Migration This Spring

While winter is dark and gloomy outside in Massachusetts, the welcome signs of spring are something to look forward to. One of the best ways to get outside and relax is to sit and watch the birds fly by. While the Bay State is home to tons of birds, there’s nothing like hummingbirds in the springtime. So, when will hummingbirds arrive in Massachusetts? What is the deal with hummingbird migration in Massachusetts? Thousands of these beautiful, tiny birds will migrate north and make their way through here around mid-April.

Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world, with over 300 unique types. Only about a dozen migrate to the U.S. and Canada, but that migration is coming up quickly, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled. Let’s take a look at the predictions for the next hummingbird migration in Massachusetts because they will be here soon, and you’ll want to know what to look out for and when to have your feeders ready.

With the coming arrival of spring in Massachusetts, it is almost time for thousands of hummingbirds to migrate north and pass through the state.
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For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, this time of year is a highly anticipated event.
One of the most common types of hummingbird is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
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There are more than 300 species of this beautiful bird (that's quite impressive in the animal kingdom!), however, only about a dozen migrate north.
Twice a year these gorgeous birds make their migration, and they're going to hit Massachusetts soon.
Wikipedia
Typically, hummingbirds make it to the Bay State around mid-April.
These wonderful birds fly by day and feed off the nectar of flowers...
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...so once the flowers bloom, hummingbirds really get moving!
To be able to make the long journey hummingbirds put on about 25-40% of their body weight before migration.
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Most of us probably do everything we can to keep our bodies slim and trim, but hummingbirds needs to pack a little one because they burn a lot of energy making it up north!
In fact, hummingbirds travel roughly 23 miles a day, and flap their wings 15 to 80 times per second! These tiny birds sure are mighty.
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They make their nests using lichen, fiber, and spider webs or pine resin which hold them together like glue. The nests are only about the size of a large thimble and this is where the female will lay 1-3 eggs during spring.
Soon enough, thousands of these wonderful creatures will make their way into yards all over Massachusetts.
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So you'll definitely want to start shopping now for the best hummingbird feeders and make sure to keep them filled with delicious nectar!

For more information on the upcoming hummingbird migration, you can visit Hummingbird Central Hummingbird Central.

Have you been wondering when will hummingbirds arrive in Massachusetts? Have they visited your yard in previous years? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your Massachusetts bird sightings with us in our Massachusetts Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by tagging us at #onlyinmassachusetts on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

To learn more about these beautiful birds, check out this video:

 

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Hummingbird Migration in Massachusetts

February 27, 2023
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

What types of hummingbirds are in Massachusetts?

Learning about hummingbirds in Massachusetts is easy because typically there is only one type - the Ruby-throated hummingbird. They are so beautiful to look at because of their stunning green backs and the ever present ruby red throat in the males. The females weigh about 0.13 ounces, while the males weigh about 12 ounces.

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Massachusetts?

Since hummingbirds arrive in Massachusetts around mid-April, the best time to hang a hummingbird feeder is about a week or so before that. Place it high enough so that your family pets and other animals can’t reach it and if you have a garden with plants that attract  hummingbirds, they will love you for it!

 

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Massachusetts?

There are currently no official warnings against feeding hummingbirds in Massachusetts.  However, it is a good idea to clean the feeder a few times during their migration time to help protect them against catching any viruses. If you have little ones around, get them involved. Kids love to fill up the feeders and watch the hummingbirds flit in and out to feed on all of that delicious nectar! If you have binoculars, you can get an up close and personal view.