Posted by Anne & John Hammett on January 15, 2006

Q: We would like to hang a humming bird feeder in our yard. The feeder directs state not to hang out if it is not "humming bird" season. What is humming bird season on Tucson, Arizona?

Habitat: desert

State: Arizona

Habitat: desert

A: I think the reason they don't want you to hang your feeder out when it is not "hummingbird season" is that the sugar water will get moldy and foul up your feeder when there are no birds to use it. I have found that by putting a smaller amount of sugar water in my hummingbird feeder means they will use it up before the mold takes over - larger amounts often go bad. "Hummingbird season" simply refers to the time when hummingbirds are in your area and this will vary as you recognize. Living in Tuscon, you have many different species that may be found in your area - lucky you - so times will vary depending on species. I'm not aware of any species that overwinter in Tuscon so I would think by March (this is a guess), you may be able to start looking for birds. To be sure, I'd call your local birding club or the Desert Museum in Tuscon and see what kind of dates they have for returning hummingbirds. Most birders are really big on arrival dates for birds so this should help. Of course, you can always put the feeder out whenever and keep an eye on it but you'll need to take it down and clean every so often to be sure mold doesn't take over. Good luck to you and I think once the birds are back and using your feeder, you'll find this is a wonderful way to enjoy these incredible birds. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( January 19, 2006)