Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right for South Dakota During Their Migration This Spring

Ready or not, South Dakota, here they come! That's right! The return of spring also means the arrival of hummingbirds in South Dakota. We know that spring is officially here when we see our first hummingbirds of the season. You might want to start looking for the best hummingbird feeders for your yard now before supplies are all gone. So, when do hummingbirds come back to South Dakota? We've got all the details here.

Although there are more than 300 known species of hummingbirds, the most common in South Dakota is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is usually found in the eastern part of the state. Slated to take place from mid-May through September, the spring hummingbird migration is a highly-anticipated event in South Dakota. During this time, avid bird watchers are giddy with the prospect of seeing thousands of these tiny birds making their long trip north. It's the best time to see hummingbirds in South Dakota.

Known as the smallest birds in the world, the hummingbirds begin their trips, which range from hundreds to thousands of miles, from South America or Mexico, where they settle every fall to avoid freezing temperatures and inclement weather in the late winter and early spring.

Despite beginning their trip in late February or early March, the hummingbirds will not reach their nesting grounds in Canada until after September when they finish their "break" in South Dakota. Even though they have such small frames, which span no more than 3.5 inches, their wings are mighty - flapping rapidly about 15 to 80 times per second.

While their wings are impressive enough, the hearts of these tiny birds are even more incredible, as their heart can beat up to 1,260 times per minute. On the contrary, if we were running, say, on a trail, our heartbeat would only beat, on average, between 100 and 160 beats per minute.

Since traveling up to 23 miles a day can be exhausting for hummingbirds, experts recommend helping them along their way with fresh sugar water. If you're offering sugar water, use one part sugar to four parts water or one cup of sugar for every four cups of water, for example. While some recommend using red dye to attract the hummingbirds, do not. The dye can be harmful to birds.

Mold can also hurt birds, so clean your feeder regularly. While you can change the water every other day or so, keep an eye on it in the meantime. If you notice the water is cloudy, immediately change it. When you change the water, clean the feeder to avoid the buildup of mold. I soak it in hot water with a small bit of dishwashing liquid before thoroughly rinsing it out and drying it with a soft cloth.

Start shopping for the best hummingbird feeders now, and keep yours up for several weeks after you've seen the last hummingbird, just in case any stragglers pass through.

Where is your favorite place to see ruby-throated hummingbirds in South Dakota? A scenic hiking trail, your local park, or a state park? Let us know by filling out a nomination form.

For even more springtime fun around the Mount Rushmore State, set off on one of the best hiking trails in South Dakota. Don't forget to download AllTrails+, which features directions, current conditions, and hiker reviews.